Slowly but surely, we’re learning more about what to expect from the upcoming Aquaman solo film when it comes to how the major players will appear. I mean, Justice League gave us a good idea of what’s in store for Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry and Amber Heard’s Mera’s respective fashions, but it wasn’t until today that we knew what Nicole Kidman’s Queen Atlanna looked like.
Fortunately, the next issue of Entertainment Weekly has even more fruit to bear, for it also offers our first look at Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, one of the movie’s villains. Often regarded as being one of Aquaman’s greatest nemeses, the filmmakers would’ve been remiss had they not included him in the picture.
As you can see, Manta looks to be working on his iconic helmet in this particular image, so we’ve yet to witness how he’ll appear once fully suited up. Granted, I wasn’t on set myself, but I just hope that Yahya was able to get around well with that thing resting upon his shoulders. For years, I’d wondered how cosplayers pulled it off, and now moviegoers everywhere will likely ponder the same.
Strangely enough, we haven’t learned as much about this particular iteration of the character to date, but director James Wan told the publication that his take on Black Manta “is a really interesting character who is somehow factored into this story but our main story is about Jason and Patrick (Wilson),” and that “he’s part mercenary but full-time pirate who in his suit will look like some crazy alien from outer space.”
That’s vague, to be sure, but it’s better than nothing. From the sound of it, his antagonistic role could be secondary to that of Oceanmaster’s, or there may be some sort of third act twist revealing him as the true big bad. That, or he’s being set up for a sequel.
No matter which scenario pans out, Aquaman should prove to be an intriguing moviegoing experience when it opens in theaters on December 21st.