Aquaman (2018)

Aquaman (2018), directed by James Wan, marks a splashy solo entry into the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) for one of its most misunderstood superheroes. Known more for talking to fish in popular culture, Arthur Curry gets a serious upgrade in this visually ambitious, mythology-packed undersea epic that mixes superhero action, ancient legend, and family drama.

Detailed Summary

Opening: A Tale of Two Worlds

The story begins with the love story between Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), Queen of Atlantis, and Thomas Curry (Temuera Morrison), a humble lighthouse keeper. Their union produces Arthur Curry, a half-human, half-Atlantean child destined for greatness. When Atlantean soldiers come to take her back, Atlanna returns to Atlantis to protect her family, leaving Thomas to raise Arthur alone.

This early segment sets up Arthur’s internal conflict: he’s torn between the surface world and the underwater kingdom he’s never known.

Arthur the Reluctant Hero

We pick up with an adult Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), already known as Aquaman after his appearance in Justice League. He’s a reluctant hero, more comfortable chugging beers in fishing towns than dealing with royal politics. But when Princess Mera (Amber Heard) arrives, warning him that his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) seeks to unite the underwater kingdoms to wage war against the surface, Arthur is pulled into a conflict that could engulf the entire planet.

The Quest for the Trident

To stop Orm, Arthur must find the mythical Trident of Atlan, a legendary weapon that only the true king of Atlantis can wield. With Mera’s help, he embarks on a globe-trotting journey that takes them to the Sahara desert, Italy, and deep into the ocean’s hidden trenches. Along the way, they decipher clues, survive ancient traps, and battle monsters—classic adventure movie style.

Meanwhile, Orm manipulates events to rally other kingdoms under his command, defeating King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren) and adopting the title of Ocean Master. Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a ruthless pirate with a personal vendetta against Aquaman, is hired by Orm and given Atlantean tech to enhance his power.

The Trench and the Return of Atlanna

The climactic leg of Arthur’s journey sees him and Mera dive into the Trench—home to monstrous sea creatures—to find the hidden location of the trident. There, Arthur discovers his mother Atlanna is still alive, having survived in exile. She guides him to the trident’s resting place, guarded by the Karathen, a massive sea creature voiced by Julie Andrews. By proving his worth and his heart, Arthur retrieves the trident and gains control of the seas.

Movie Ending

Arthur returns to Atlantis as a changed man—now wielding the Trident of Atlan and commanding the Karathen. A massive battle erupts between Orm’s army and the other underwater kingdoms. Arthur appears riding the sea monster like a mythic warrior, turning the tide of battle.

He confronts Orm in a duel. The two brothers fight fiercely, but Arthur ultimately defeats Orm without killing him, offering him mercy. This act wins over the other Atlanteans, who recognize Arthur as the rightful king. Orm is arrested but reconciles briefly with Arthur, accepting his fate and possibly foreshadowing a redemption arc.

In the final scenes, Arthur ascends as the new King of Atlantis, embracing both his human and Atlantean heritage. On land, Atlanna is finally reunited with Thomas, fulfilling a decades-old promise.

The film closes with Arthur declaring in voiceover: “I am Aquaman,” firmly establishing his place as a hero to both worlds.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes. There is one mid-credits scene:

Black Manta, having survived his encounter with Aquaman, is rescued by Dr. Stephen Shin (Randall Park), a scientist obsessed with Atlantis. Shin is intrigued by the Atlantean tech Manta possesses, and the two agree to work together—teasing a larger role for Black Manta in a potential sequel.

There is no post-credits scene after the mid-credits.

Type of Movie

Aquaman is a superhero action-adventure film with strong elements of fantasy, mythology, and science fiction. It blends undersea spectacle with classic hero’s journey tropes and romantic subplots.

Cast

• Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman
• Amber Heard as Mera
• Patrick Wilson as Orm / Ocean Master
• Willem Dafoe as Vulko
• Nicole Kidman as Atlanna
• Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry
• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane / Black Manta
• Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus
• Ludi Lin as Captain Murk
• Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin

Film Music and Composer

The score is composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams, blending orchestral grandeur with electronic elements to mirror the dual worlds of land and sea. The film also includes songs by Pitbull, Skylar Grey, and Depeche Mode, adding a modern flair to its soundtrack.

Filming Locations

• Australia: Most of the underwater scenes were filmed at Village Roadshow Studios in Queensland.
• Italy: Scenes in Sicily, including the rooftop chase and romantic scenes in the village, were filmed in Erice and other historic locales.
• Morocco: Sahara desert scenes were shot here.
• Canada and Newfoundland: Lighthouse scenes were created using a set built along the coast.

These varied real-world and CGI-enhanced locations give the film its sense of global and interdimensional scope.

Awards and Nominations

• Winner: Best Visual Effects — Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA)
• Nominated: Saturn Awards for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture and Best Production Design
• People’s Choice Award: Favorite Action Movie Star (Jason Momoa)

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Jason Momoa practiced free diving and could hold his breath for several minutes during filming.
• The underwater scenes were filmed with actors on harnesses, not in actual water, and CGI was used to simulate movement.
• James Wan insisted on practical sets where possible, including the Italian village.
• Willem Dafoe did most of his own stunts, even in wire-heavy underwater scenes.
• The film’s production design team created over 7,000 unique props and costumes for the underwater world.

Inspirations and References

• Inspired by DC Comics’ “Aquaman” series, especially the New 52 reboot by Geoff Johns, which redefined Arthur as a regal yet grounded hero.
• The visual tone draws from classic adventure films like Indiana Jones, Clash of the Titans, and Avatar.
• Greek mythology heavily influences the Atlantean lore, with references to Poseidon, oceanic gods, and ancient civilizations.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Several scenes were trimmed for pacing:

• A longer introduction to Black Manta’s backstory.
• More screen time for the Council of Atlantis.
• An extended version of Arthur’s training with Vulko, showcasing more of his struggle with identity.

No alternate endings have been revealed publicly, but James Wan has said the original structure of the final battle was “much messier” before reshoots streamlined it.

Book Adaptations and Differences

There’s a novelization of the film, and while it largely follows the movie’s plot, it expands on:

• Mera’s inner thoughts and motivations.
• Vulko’s political maneuvers within Atlantis.
• Arthur’s self-doubt and his internal struggle with leadership.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Arthur and Mera’s rooftop chase in Sicily.
• The descent into the Trench.
• Aquaman emerging with the Trident of Atlan, riding the Karathen.
• The final duel between Arthur and Orm in a glowing underwater arena.

Iconic Quotes

• Arthur: “You’re the bridge between land and sea. Take your rightful place.”
• Atlanna: “A king fights only for his nation. You fight for everyone.”
• Black Manta: “Call me… Black Manta.”
• Mera: “You think you’re unworthy to lead because you’re of two different worlds. But that is exactly why you are worthy.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The Karathen is voiced by Julie Andrews—yes, Mary Poppins herself.
• A map of Atlantis shows seven kingdoms, hinting at a potential spinoff (The Trench was announced but later canceled).
• The armor design of Orm mirrors his comic book look, complete with purple and silver colors.
• A blink-and-you-miss-it moment shows a book by Dr. Shin titled “The Truth About Atlantis.”

Trivia

• James Wan was offered the chance to direct The Flash but chose Aquaman for its world-building potential.
• Jason Momoa improvised many of his lines to keep the character fun and relatable.
• The film grossed over $1.1 billion, making it the highest-grossing DCEU film to date.
• Amber Heard learned to play the flute for her character, though the scene didn’t make the final cut.

Why Watch?

If you’re into massive underwater kingdoms, high-octane battles, ancient myths, and a hero who’s equal parts surfer-dude and king, Aquaman is your jam. It’s not just about fish-talking—it’s about identity, destiny, and some of the wildest visuals ever put in a superhero movie.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Conjuring (2013)
• Insidious (2010)
• Furious 7 (2015)
• Saw (2004)
• Malignant (2021)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Shazam! (2019)
• Wonder Woman (2017)
• Black Panther (2018)
• Avatar (2009)
• The Fifth Element (1997)
• Pacific Rim (2013)