The rumors are indeed true, folks. The DC cinematic universe that director Zack Snyder is managing, beginning with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, has its Aquaman in actor Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis, Conan the Barbarian). The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the scoop first revealed by Drew McWeeney at Hitfix, that the Hawaiian-born thespian will be taking on the role of Arthur Curry. It hasn’t been confirmed if he will be going by Curry or the Aquaman moniker explicitly yet either.
The casting is logical if you look at Momoa’s filmography, which is heavy in genre material and work in the water. Momoa is perhaps best known for his role in Game of Thrones, proving that he can handle himself in combat. So we eagerly look forward to what type of damage he will inflict with the trademark trident.
Momoa’s career is heavy in science fiction and roles that require intense physicality. And he also had a stint on Baywatch: Hawaii that requires you to look halfway coordinated jumping into water and you gotta be able to look good running in slow-motion. (Coincidentally the same two requirements for a role in Snyder’s Justice League film.) So the pieces do seem to fit.
In the New 52, DC Comics relaunch of the DC Universe, Aquaman has been reborn a complete bad-ass. Writer Geoff Johns set out to modernize Curry. Giving both reasonable limits to his skills and convincing dramatic motivations, as his story is of a man torn between two worlds. The new interpretation is an underwater ruler who is resolute and completely determined to get justice for his people. And there folks, is the connection to the Man of Steel. McWeeny reports that this is how Aquaman will fit into the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film.:
“Someone else who’s not particularly happy about what happened in that film is Aquaman. I’m not sure if that’s the actual name they’ll use or not, but what we’re hearing is that he is not pleased about the World Engine and what it did to the Indian Ocean. He will not have a major role in the film, but he will make an appearance, and it definitely sets him up to return once Snyder gets to Justice League.”
So there is yet another person out with a grudge against Superman, who was only trying to save us all. It ain’t easy being on top of the superhero world…
While Momoa’s appearance may not bring to mind the classic blond haired interpretation of Aquaman from the past, the arched eyebrows, intensity, and fierce nature will surely evoke the central core of who the character represents in modern comics. So this is yet another good sign for the production. Plus they will probably end up dying his hair anyways. So hold on to your hats purists.
How the heck they are going to make a cohesive film out of all of these cameos and tie-ins, however, is up in the air. But we will be there to give you the scoop on what is to come.
Sources: HitFix, The Hollywood Reporter
P.S. – If you are in the Bay Area the weekend of July 27th, Jason Momoa among others will be appearing at the Evolution Expo. We will be there covering the event. Give us a shout if you make it out!