Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom: Trailer, Release Date, and Essential Details Revealed

The success of "Aquaman" left fans hungry for more, and they won't be disappointed. Jason Momoa, who brought Arthur Curry to life in the 2018 DC Extended Universe film, is set to return in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," hitting theaters in December 2023. The recently unveiled trailer, dropped on September 14, gives us a peek into Curry's life as both the ruler of Atlantis and a devoted father.

This sequel dives deeper into Momoa's portrayal of Aquaman, the powerful leader of Atlantis, first introduced in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016) and "Justice League" (2017). The original "Aquaman," released on December 21, 2018, earned praise from audiences and critics alike, raking in over $1 billion worldwide.

The idea of a sequel started brewing during the production of the first film. Jason Momoa made it clear he was eager to don the underwater hero's mantle once more. In February 2019, Warner Bros. began crafting the script, and a little over a year later, James Wan returned to the director's chair. Following that, Jason and other familiar faces officially signed on for the project, with some fresh talent joining the ranks. Now, after weathering a series of delays, this highly anticipated film is nearly ready for its debut.

Release Date and Filming for 'Aquaman 2'

Prepare to dive back into the aquatic world of 'Aquaman 2' on December 20, 2023. Originally slated for release on December 16, 2022, the film's schedule faced adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a few reschedules, Warner Bros. ultimately settled on the current release date of December 25, 2023, moving it up by five days.

The journey into 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' commenced in June 2021 with production unfolding in the vibrant city of London. By December 2021, the cameras had stopped rolling, marking the conclusion of filming. Jason Momoa, in high spirits, shared an Instagram video on the eve of the shoot, exclaiming, "I am finally in England. It is sunny out, it’s amazing. I’m gonna start Aquaman 2 tomorrow." He also hinted at a change in his iconic look, teasing a transition from his natural brown hair to a blond hue for the role.

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The Cast and Crew of 'Aquaman 2'

In 'Aquaman 2,' we can expect a star-studded return and some exciting new faces. Jason Momoa reprises his role as Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman. Amber Heard, aged 37, also makes a comeback as Mera, Aquaman's love interest. Speculation swirled about her involvement due to domestic abuse allegations against her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. However, Amber officially confirmed her return in November 2020, affirming her role as Mera when filming commenced.

In July 2022, Jason delighted fans by revealing that Ben Affleck will join him as Batman in the sequel. The actors were playfully "busted" by a group of tourists exploring the Warner Bros. Studio lot. Jason shared this moment on Instagram, writing, "REUNITED bruce and arthur. love u and miss u Ben." He also humorously noted, "WB studio tours just explored the backlot alright. busted on set all great things coming AQUAMAN 2 all my aloha j." In a video accompanying the post, Jason introduced the excited fans to the unexpected encounter.

The returning ensemble cast features Patrick Wilson as Orm Marius, Aquaman's half-brother, Dolph Lundgreen as King Nereus, Mera's father, Yahya Abdul-Manteen II as David Kane/Black Manta, a formidable pirate and mercenary who opposes Aquaman, Nicole Kidman as Atlanta, Aquaman's mother, Tamuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, Aquaman's father, and Randall Park as Doctor Stephen Shin, a marine biologist on a quest to uncover the secrets of Atlantis.

Adding a fresh dimension to the film, 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' introduces new characters. Vincent Regan takes on the role of Atlan, the inaugural king of Atlantis. Jani Zhao enters the fray as Stingray, while Indya Moore assumes the character of Karshon. Pilou Asbæk, known for his role in 'Game of Thrones,' has also joined the cast in a yet undisclosed role.

James Wan once again takes the helm as director, while the screenplay is crafted by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick.

Plot of 'Aquaman 2 Movie'

In the true fashion of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), details about the storyline of 'Aquaman 2' have been kept under wraps. However, insights from the creators give us a glimpse into what to expect.

During the 2020 DC FanDome panel, James Wan, the director, revealed that 'Aquaman 2' will delve into more serious themes compared to its predecessor. He noted that it will also be more attuned to the current world we inhabit. A year later, at the 2021 DC FanDome panel, Warner Bros. treated fans to concept art and behind-the-scenes footage. According to Wan, Black Manta's pursuit of vengeance against Aquaman will be a gripping focal point. The film promises a journey across various realms, unafraid to fully embrace its fantasy elements.

Jason Momoa, deeply invested in his role, expressed his enthusiasm for the sequel at the event. He conveyed his love for the character and what it symbolizes.

James Wan further expanded on the film in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in April 2023. He hinted that audiences can anticipate a departure in tone from the first movie. The director emphasized that the sequel will tackle weightier subjects, including issues like climate change. This decision aligns with the longstanding environmentally conscious ethos of the Aquaman comic book. Wan believes this shift is not only timely but also lends the film a greater resonance in our current world. Despite the depth of the themes, the movie is promised to retain its core as an entertaining action-fantasy spectacle.

Aquaman's 'The Trench' Spinoff: The Plan and Its Surprising Turn

Initially, there were ambitious plans to broaden the Aquaman universe with a spinoff entitled 'The Trench.' This venture began its development stages in early 2019, with a unique focus on the amphibious creatures that Arthur and Mera confronted in the inaugural movie, as reported by Collider.

However, in a surprising turn of events, in April 2021, Warner Bros. decided not to progress with 'The Trench.' Nevertheless, the company left the door open, hinting that this spinoff project might find traction at a later juncture, suggesting a potential future for the endeavor.

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