It’s been a long-standing joke that Aquaman seemed to be the runt of the comics litter – or more accurately the tiddler in the sea of superheroes. The simplistic and bright orange costume and his ability to talk to the creatures of the sea were often played as a punchline and despite every effort and his decades of appearances in various mediums, Arthur Curry and his alter-ego never generated the love of Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman.
It’s a very different Aquaman that was glimpsed in Zack Snyder’s Batman Vs Superman and more prominently in Justice League, one that felt more in line with the director’s darker vision for the DC Universe. Arthur Curry was now a massive muscular almost grungy character and played by Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis and Game of Thrones). It was the most extreme of makeovers but there were still some doubts as to whether the character was ready for a solo outing when there seemed many more suitable characters ready for the spotlight. However Momoa and director James Wan will hit the beach and beyond for Aquaman‘s debut on 21st December and the visitors to SDCC‘s Hall H were treated to the first full trailer for the film which balances the action, the drama and more than a few laughs.
The story will show the origins of his character, the offspring of the ultimate mixed-marriage and a boy who has grown into a man unsure and unwilling to face a destiny below the waves. That will need to change when Atlantis is threatened by those who would usurp his lineage and perhaps even bring war to the lands above. The film also features Amber Heard, Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Kidman, Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Djimon Hounsou and Temuera Morrison.
