Released this Wednesday, August 16 in our theaters, “Blue Beetle” is the third DC feature film of the year. And a fourth should follow in December… subject to change linked to the strike of actors and screenwriters.
There was the return of Shazam. The release, finally, of the first solo film devoted to Flash. And the movie debut of Blue Beetle. After an almost blank year, with the only Black Adam on the program, DC has gone into overdrive in 2023. And it’s not over because Aquaman must also return to the big screen by the end of the year. Unless…
Release date: When is Aquaman 2 coming out? Where can we see it?
The release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, since it is its full title, is currently scheduled for December 20, 2023 at the cinema. Five years after the first opus, already directed by James Wan, and a year after the slot which was initially to be his, before several upheavals at Warner and DC Films postponed his return.
But this is still far from certain. When the actors’ strike was officially launched in Hollywood, a few weeks after that of the screenwriters, the rumor evoked a possible postponement for two Warner blockbusters: Dune 2 and Aquaman 2.
The latest news, Denis Villeneuve’s film would be spared, because the promotion is already too advanced to backtrack. Which is not the case with that of James Wan, of which we have only seen a featurette so far during the DC FanDome in October… 2021. Will the plunge be postponed to 2024?
Cast: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard… Who plays in Aquaman 2?
Seen completely drunk in the post-credits scene of The Flash, Jason Momoa obviously resumes the role he has held since his Batman v Superman cameo in 2016. And this will be the sixth time he embodies the DC superhero on small and large screen.
Warner Bros. Pictures Aquaman: new look for a new aquatic life
To go in search of the Lost Kingdom, the actor should be surrounded by several known heads: Dolph Lundgren will be back as King Nereus, the hero’s parents played by Nicole Kidman and Temuera Morrison too, as well as the ex-villains Orm (Patrick Wilson) and Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who would this time team up with Aquaman.
There remains the case of Amber Heard. During his ultra-publicized lawsuit against Johnny Depp, several rumors evoked his ousting from the film, claimed by several petitions. It is not so because these hallway noises have obviously been launched by the same people, with not very laudable intentions, even if a mystery remains on the content of his role in the plot.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Amber Heard aka Mera
Finally, what about other Justice League heroes? There was talk of Michael Keaton making an appearance as Batman, to build on his role in Batgirl, but the film has since been shelved. And it was Ben Affleck who shot a cameo as Batman. But we do not know if it will be kept in the editing.
The story: what will Aquaman 2 be about?
Four months from its release in our theaters, the mystery remains intact. Or almost because a draft synopsis spoke, in December 2021, of an ancient power capable of destroying Atlantis and the world, which forces the hero to make an alliance with an ancient enemy. In a story that would give pride of place to adventure and would be inspired in particular by Mario Bava’s Planet of the Vampires.
Nothing more since, and the images unveiled last April, within the framework of CinemaCon (international convention of cinemas which takes place in Las Vegas), have not been posted online since. And the current strike could cause a little more delay.
Aquaman 3: will there be a sequel?
Of course, you should never say never, especially in the world of cinema. Because who would have thought, for example, that the first Aquaman would become, when it was released, DC’s biggest success in the world? But, at present, it should not pass the third.
Warner Bros. Pictures
When you’re waiting for your own movie to come out
The Lost Kingdom will indeed be the last opus of the DC Universe initiated in 2013 with Man of Steel. The shared universe has since been taken over by James Gunn and Peter Safran who should reset some counters, with new Superman and Batman.
But, and this is where it gets complicated, Jason Momoa could be of this new version. As Aquaman or as another DC character. Based on the spatio-temporal events of The Flash, James Gunn and Peter Safran can choose the map of the total reboot or keep some elements. And the future of The King of Atlantis may hinge on its theatrical success. End of December or later.