The highly anticipated Aquaman 3 is set to make waves in 2025, continuing the epic saga of Arthur Curry, the King of Atlantis, as he faces new challenges and threats from both land and sea. With Jason Momoa reprising his role as the titular superhero, Aquaman 3 is expected to build on the success of the first two films and further expand the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

Cast and Characters

Jason Momoa will once again don the iconic Atlantean armor as Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman, the half-human, half-Atlantean hero. He will be joined by Willem Dafoe, who returns as Nudis Vulko, Arthur’s trusted advisor, and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Arthur’s mother and former queen of Atlantis. Both Dafoe and Kidman play pivotal roles in Arthur’s journey to solidify his place as king while navigating the complex politics and threats to his underwater kingdom.

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Also confirmed to return is Patrick Wilson as Orm, Arthur’s half-brother, and former adversary turned uneasy ally, known as Ocean Master. Amber Heard is expected to return as Mera, though her role has been the subject of much speculation. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will reprise his role as the vengeful Black Manta, a character who has steadily become one of Aquaman’s greatest foes. Dolph Lundgren also returns as King Nereus, the ruler of Xebel, continuing his involvement in the Atlantean conflicts.

Expanding the Aquatic Universe

James Wan, who directed both Aquaman (2018) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), is back to helm the third installment. Wan has teased that Aquaman 3 will take a deeper dive into the Atlantean mythology, expanding on the worldbuilding that was such a key part of the first two films. With his unique visual style, Wan is set to explore new underwater kingdoms, mystical powers, and undiscovered territories beneath the ocean’s depths, while maintaining the high-stakes action sequences and stunning visuals fans have come to expect from the franchise.

The screenplay for Aquaman 3 is written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who collaborated with Wan on the first two Aquaman films. The writing duo is expected to delve into more mature themes, focusing on Arthur’s continued struggle to unite the underwater kingdoms while protecting the surface world from the growing threats of environmental destruction, political tension, and dark supernatural forces.

Storyline and Plot

While official plot details are still under wraps, Aquaman 3 is expected to pick up from where Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom leaves off. In the second film, Arthur Curry must confront Black Manta’s quest for revenge and a new looming threat to the underwater realms, forcing him to make alliances with former enemies.

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The third film will likely continue the saga of Arthur’s reign as the King of Atlantis, delving further into the political tensions between the various underwater factions. Black Manta is anticipated to play a major role once again, likely seeking vengeance with a new powerful ally, creating a formidable challenge for Aquaman and his allies. Themes of unity, loyalty, and responsibility will be central to Arthur’s journey as he grapples with maintaining peace in Atlantis while also fulfilling his role as protector of the surface world.

Production and Development

The idea for an Aquaman sequel was first pitched by Jason Momoa during production of the original film in 2018. However, director James Wan was not keen on rushing a sequel and wanted to allow the story to develop naturally. In 2019, Wan officially began overseeing development, with David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick brought on to write the script. The production of Aquaman 3 has been carefully orchestrated to allow for the continuation of the DCEU’s overarching narrative while building on the standalone appeal of Aquaman’s story.

The third film in the Aquaman series marks a crucial point for the DCEU, which has undergone significant changes and reboots following the merger of Warner Bros. with Discovery. While the direction of the DCEU has shifted in recent years, Aquaman 3 is expected to maintain its own identity within the universe, focusing on its rich worldbuilding and character-driven narrative.

Looking Ahead

Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, with high expectations for the visuals, action, and deep-sea spectacle that James Wan’s films are known for. With a talented ensemble cast, a proven director, and a compelling storyline, Aquaman 3 is poised to make a big splash when it hits theaters in 2025.

As the DCEU continues to evolve, Aquaman 3 will not only serve as a continuation of Arthur Curry’s story but also as a significant chapter in the ever-expanding world of DC superheroes. Fans can expect more teasers and details to emerge in the coming months, but one thing is certain – the underwater kingdom of Atlantis is far from finished, and Arthur Curry’s journey as Aquaman is far from over.