Aquamanis the DCEU’s first and only movie to have grossed over a billion dollars. The sequel to 2018’s Aquaman will finally close out the DCEU before DC movies go on a year-long hiatus before James Gunn’sSuperman: Legacyreleases.
However, things are not looking good for the sequel, with 100 days left till its release, a trailer for the trailer has just come out and the overall marketing for the film is basically non-existent which implies that maybe DC executives aren’t exactly confident in the film’s release. Regardless of that,Aquaman 2needs to provide some fan service and close out the DCEU for good, and for that, it needs to pay homage to the Justice League. However,things aren’t exactly looking good in that regard.
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Aquaman 2 Is The Last DCEU Movie
Henry Cavill’sMan of Steelwas the beginning of the live-action universe that will finally come to a close with Jason Momoa’sAquaman 2. The new DCU is said to be a soft reboot of the universe but instead of a clean slate, a few actors are expected to reprise their roles as their respective superheroes once again, although that may not be the case for the likes of many such as Henry Cavill who has been left behind for future DCU plans. Jason Momoa previously also teased his future in the DCU and although he may not reprise his role as Aquaman, it may be an entirely different character that remains to be seen.
The official synopsis ofAquaman 2is out now and reveals the main plot of the film. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will reprise his role as Black Manta once again but this time he is said to be even stronger and more well-equipped and will serve as the main antagonist of the film. This will lead Aquaman to form an alliance with the most unexpected character, his former nemesis and half-brother, Orm, otherwise known as Ocean Master. In addition to the returning characters,Aquaman 2features two new cast members: Pilou Asbæk, whose role is currently unknown, and Indya Moore, who will play a Green Lantern villain named Karshon.
Aquaman 2had been in development long before Peter Safran and James Gunn took over DC Studios as Co-Ceo and Co-Chairmen. Just likeThe Flash, Aquaman 2is also expected to undergo significant changes from its initial cut. The movie underwent quite a few reshoots andwas pushed back from its earlier release on March 17, not too long after the release ofThe Flash. Earlier reports also suggested that DC executives weren’t too confident in the movie’s release which looks quite evident judging by the fact that the first trailer of the film is out just now within the 100 days of the movie’s release.
DC hasn’t talked aboutAquaman 2in public at all which makes the situation even worse. Even WBD bosses was reportedlynot happy with the earlier screenings of the movie. Furthermore, the movie has also been facing controversy after it was revealed thatAmber Heard would return as Mera, especially after her very public court battle against her ex-husband Johnny Depp.
Aquaman 2 Should Give The Justice League Its Final Bow
Things already aren’t looking good forAquaman 2and If there’s one thing the sequel can do toreplicate the success of the first movieis to at least pay homage to the Justice League. Ending the DCEU on such a low note without proper closure wouldn’t be the best decision to make and for that, the film needs to Include at least one of the Justice League.
However, such a thing may not be possible anymore considering how Henry Cavill’s Superman has already been left behind for future plans. Ben Affleck’s Batman was at one point stated to be inAquaman 2although, that may not be the case anymore. Reports suggest that James Gunn made such a decision to avoid confusion because featuring the Dark Knight who wouldn’t reprise his role in DCU would confuse fans about the character returning in the future. Considering the report, it would be unlikely that any other Justice League member would also be in the film namely Cyborg, Wonder Woman, and Flash. Barry Allen’s return to his timeline was an altered one inThe Flashwhich also means that the character most probably isn’t going to be in the movie.
SinceThe Flashfailed to bring closure to the DCEU, it will be up toAquaman 2to finish the decade-long fan-favorite universethat has obviously had its ups and downs but has remained close to the hearts of many. Whether it provides a bittersweet ending to the DCEU or ends on a low note remains to be seen.
Aquaman and The Lost Kingdomhits theaters on December 20th, 2023
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