Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom: What We Know So Far

So, you’re eagerly awaiting the sequel to the surprise smash hit Aquaman, huh? You and the rest of the world. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to make a huge splash when it hits theaters next year, and details about the film are slowly starting to emerge. We’ve got the inside scoop on what you can expect from Jason Momoa’s return as the King of Atlantis.

After the events of the first film, Arthur Curry is settling into his role as the ruler of Atlantis. But new threats are lurking under the sea that put both his kingdom and the surface world in danger. To face these challenges, Arthur will have to go on an epic quest to long-lost parts of Atlantis to find a legendary ancient power. Along the way, he’ll face treacherous enemies, reunite with old allies like Mera, and discover mysteries of his Atlantean heritage he never knew.

If the sequel is even half as fun, action-packed, and visually stunning as the first Aquaman film, you’re in for a real treat. The Lost Kingdom looks to take everything to the next level for an even bigger undersea adventure. So get ready to dive back in with your favorite fish-talking superhero next December! The tides of change are coming.

Cast and Characters: Who's Returning and New Faces

The sequel to 2018's Aquaman is set to make a splash, bringing back some familiar faces and introducing new characters.

Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry, aka the half-human half-Atlantean Aquaman. After finally claiming his birthright as the King of Atlantis, Arthur will face new threats to his kingdom. Amber Heard is also back as Mera, the Atlantean princess, and Arthur's love interest. Look for their romance to deepen as they team up to protect Atlantis.

Willem Dafoe returns as Vulko, Arthur's Atlantean mentor. Vulko's guidance and support will continue to be instrumental in preparing Arthur for the challenges of ruling an underwater kingdom. Patrick Wilson is back as Orm Marius, Arthur's power-hungry half-brother. Though defeated last time, Orm likely still covets the Atlantean throne and may emerge as a formidable foe once again.

New to the cast are actors Pilou Asbæk as the villainous Atlantean scientist Stephen Shin, and Randall Park portraying Dr. Stephen Shin. In the comics, Dr. Shin is both friend and foe to Aquaman, though his role in the film is still unknown. The additions of Asbæk and Park point to new threats - and possible allies - emerging from within Atlantis itself.

With its winning combination of underwater spectacle, humor, and heart, Aquaman was a box office smash and fan favorite. The sequel is sure to deliver more over-the-top adventure and visuals, as well as further explore the relationships between Arthur, Mera, and the inhabitants of Atlantis. By diving deeper into the fantastical underwater world, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom looks poised to make an even bigger splash with audiences.

The Plot: What We Know About the Story So Far

The plot of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is still mostly shrouded in mystery, but we have a few details to tide us over until the movie hits theaters.

The Lost Kingdom

The title suggests Aquaman will be searching for a lost underwater kingdom in this film. In the comics, the Lost Kingdom of Atlantis was once ruled by Aquaman's ancestor King Atlan. Could this kingdom make an appearance in the movie? And what secrets or powers might it hold?

Black Manta Returns

Black Manta, Aquaman's archenemy, will return for revenge after his defeat in the first film. Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been confirmed to reprise the role. Black Manta hates Aquaman with a passion and will likely be the main villain again, possibly teaming up with other foes to take down the sea king.

New Characters

We'll be introduced to some new characters, including an original character named Karshon, played by actor Indya Moore. In the comics, Karshon is a humanoid shark, so we could see an interesting take on this character. There are also rumors other New Gods like Darkseid may appear.

The Love Story Continues

Aquaman and Mera's romance will continue to blossom, in between battles to save Atlantis and the surface world. Actors Jason Momoa and Amber Heard have great chemistry onscreen, so their interactions will likely provide both humor and heart.

Stunning Visuals

Director James Wan transformed underwater worlds into a visual feast for the eyes in the first Aquaman. With the sequel, he'll no doubt continue to push the boundaries of CGI and cinematography to create a stunning, fantastical world beneath the waves that leave us in awe.

Location Filming and Production: Where Was Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Filmed?

The sequel to 2018’s Aquaman is currently in production. Director James Wan and stars Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will return for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. While many details are still unknown, here’s what we know so far about the filming locations and production.

Most of the movie will be filmed on location in Australia. In June 2021, production moved from Canada to Queensland, Australia. Specific filming spots are the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and South East Queensland. These coastal regions are ideal for capturing underwater scenes and ocean vistas to represent the lost Atlantean kingdom referenced in the title.

Some action sequences will likely be shot on sound stages and indoor tanks. The first Aquaman film utilized groundbreaking technology to film actors underwater for extended periods. Similar techniques will probably be used for the sequel to achieve underwater dialog and combat scenes.

Post-production and visual effects will bring the underwater world to life. While the actors and crew can only film so much underwater and on location, visual effects studios will use CGI to create the fantastical environments, creatures, and powers seen in the first movie. Over 2,000 visual effects shots were completed for Aquaman, so we can expect a similar amount for the sequel.

In all, filming for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is expected to wrap in November 2021. The movie currently has a release date of December 16, 2022. By filming on location in Australia and utilizing visual effects, director James Wan will again transport audiences to the wondrous underwater realms of Atlantis and beyond. The Lost Kingdom will likely expand the world of Aquaman in exciting new ways when it hits theaters in 2022.

Release Date: When Will Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Hit Theaters?

The hotly anticipated sequel to 2018's Aquaman is set to make a splash in theaters on December 16, 2022. Director James Wan and stars Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II are all returning for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

While the plot details are still mostly under wraps, we do know a few things about the story. Aquaman and Mera will again team up for an underwater adventure, this time searching for an ancient lost kingdom. The kingdom was once ruled by King Atlan, Aquaman's long-lost ancestor. Atlan's trident possesses special powers that Black Manta is after. Manta will serve as the main villain trying to steal the trident away from Aquaman.

Some new faces are joining the cast, including Pilou Asbæk as a character named David Kane, who has a connection to Black Manta. Jani Zhao and Indya Moore have also been cast in undisclosed roles. Returning cast members Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Kidman, Temuera Morrison, and Willem Dafoe will reprise their roles from the first Aquaman film.

Filming Details

Principal photography began in June 2021 and took place in England and Australia. The main underwater sequences were again filmed in a water tank on a soundstage, with visual effects used to create Atlantis and other fantastical sea creatures and kingdoms. The sequel has an even bigger budget than the original, so expect the visuals and action sequences to be massive.

The release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was delayed several times due to COVID-19, but as of now, the film remains on track to hit theaters for the 2022 holiday season. DC fans and audiences in general loved the escapist fun of the first Aquaman film, so anticipation is high for this sequel's blend of humor, heart, and high-seas adventure.

Trailer Breakdown and Discussion: Analyzing the First Look at Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

The first trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom dropped at DC FanDome, giving us our first look at the sequel. Let's break down the biggest reveals and hints at what's to come in the follow-up to 2018's Aquaman.

The Trench Are Back

The underwater creatures known as The Trench made a brief but terrifying appearance in the first Aquaman film. In the trailer, we see Aquaman and Mera surrounded by pale, humanoid beasts in what looks like a massive underwater cliffside city. Clearly, The Trench will play a much larger role this time around. Perhaps they are protecting something - or someone - in this lost Atlantean city.

Black Manta's Revenge

Black Manta, Aquaman's archenemy, is back with a seriously upgraded suit and a major grudge against our hero. In the trailer, we see Black Manta attacking Aquaman with energy blasts from his helmet and engaging in underwater hand-to-hand combat. "The only way to stop this war is to end you," Manta snarls. Whatever Manta's evil scheme is this time, it's personal.

New Power for Arthur?

In one scene, we see Aquaman summoning a massive underwater storm, complete with crashing waves, lightning, and whirlpools. This appears to be an incredible new power for the King of Atlantis. If he can control the weather and generate storms at will, that would make him even more formidable. Perhaps this new ability has something to do with the "lost kingdom" referenced in the title.

A Rekindled Romance?

Despite some rumored behind-the-scenes drama, Amber Heard is back as Mera, and she shares a passionate kiss with Jason Momoa's Aquaman in the trailer. It seems their romance is still going strong, though relationships are never easy when you're a superhero and a princess from another dimension. Here's hoping these two can make it work, even with all the world(s)-saving they have to do.

The trailer leaves us with lots of questions about where the story is headed and how much bigger the stakes and scope seem to be this time around. But one thing's for sure: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom looks like it will be an epic underwater adventure.

Conclusion

And there you have it—everything we know so far about the upcoming Aquaman sequel. Sure, we still have a long way to go before Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hits theaters, but at least now you have some details to speculate over in the meantime. Will Black Manta prove to be Arthur's greatest nemesis yet? What other secrets are hidden in the Lost Kingdom? How will Mera and Vulko factor into the story? The possibilities are endless. One thing's for sure though—if this film is anything like its predecessor, you're in for a real treat. So start counting down the days, grab your popcorn, and get ready to dive back into the underwater world of Atlantis for another epic adventure. The King is back!