Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) marks the final film in the DCEU as we know it, directed once again by James Wan. Picking up after the events of the first Aquaman film and Justice League, this sequel brings back Jason Momoa in the titular role as Arthur Curry and throws him into a darker, more personal conflict involving ancient evil, political alliances, and sibling rivalry.

Detailed Summary

Arthur Curry: King, Father, and Hero

Arthur Curry is no longer just the half-human, half-Atlantean hero — he is now King of Atlantis, trying to balance royal duties with his life on the surface. He is married to Mera (Amber Heard), and they have a son together. This new phase of Arthur’s life adds emotional weight to his actions, as he’s not just protecting a kingdom — he’s also trying to be a father.

Black Manta’s Return and the Black Trident

The primary antagonist is David Kane, aka Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), still seeking vengeance for his father’s death in the first film. This time, he’s powered up, having discovered an ancient Atlantean relic: the Black Trident. This weapon is not only powerful but cursed — it’s connected to a long-lost dark kingdom and begins corrupting David both physically and mentally.

The Uneasy Brotherhood: Aquaman and Orm

Realizing the danger posed by Black Manta and the growing threat of the ancient evil he’s awakening, Arthur seeks help from his estranged half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), the former king he defeated. The two form an uneasy alliance, setting the stage for some classic “buddy cop” energy, laced with family trauma and mutual distrust.

Their quest leads them across deadly oceans, forgotten temples, and deep into the Lost Kingdom of Necrus, a long-buried civilization banished from Atlantean history for its use of dark magic.

Secrets of the Past and Rise of a New Threat

As Black Manta harnesses the power of the Black Trident, it’s revealed that the weapon is linked to Kordax, an ancient Atlantean warlord exiled for his use of dark sorcery. The more Kane uses the Trident, the more Kordax begins to possess him, merging into a single villainous entity.

Meanwhile, Arthur and Orm discover the truth behind Atlantis’s past, the dark role Necrus played in ancient wars, and how the betrayal of that kingdom led to its erasure from history.

Movie Ending

In the climactic battle, Black Manta (fully merged with the spirit of Kordax) unleashes a massive attack on Atlantis, aiming to claim the throne and spread the corruption of the Lost Kingdom across the seas and beyond. With the help of Orm, Mera, and their allies, Arthur leads a desperate defense of Atlantis.

The final confrontation occurs in the heart of Necrus, where Arthur, wielding his trident and the power of the ocean, faces off against the Kordax-possessed Manta. After a brutal battle, Arthur realizes he cannot defeat him alone. Orm makes a self-sacrificing move, allowing Arthur the moment he needs to destroy the Black Trident — the source of Kordax’s power — thus breaking the curse.

David Kane is freed from possession but is gravely injured. Arthur, showing mercy, spares his life. With the destruction of the Black Trident, the Lost Kingdom begins to collapse into the sea, sealed away once again.

Back in Atlantis, Arthur addresses the Atlantean Council and makes a bold decision: he will no longer rule as king. He believes Atlantis must be led by someone who can truly unite all its people without being torn between two worlds. He chooses to return to the surface world to raise his son and live as both a father and a protector of both realms. Orm, now redeemed, is left to guide Atlantis’s future — a symbolic transfer of trust and forgiveness between the brothers.

The film ends with Arthur surfacing to a quiet coastal home, embracing Mera and his son, finally finding peace — for now.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, the movie includes one mid-credits scene and no post-credits scene.

In the mid-credits scene, we see Dr. Stephen Shin (Randall Park) still investigating Atlantean tech and surviving the events of the film. He discovers remnants of the Black Trident’s energy in a cave — a potential setup for future stories, even as the DCEU is rebooted.

No scene plays after the final credits.

Type of Movie

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Superhero, Fantasy
• Subgenre: Environmental sci-fi, Mythology-based epic

Cast

• Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman
• Patrick Wilson as Orm / Ocean Master
• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane / Black Manta
• Amber Heard as Mera
• Nicole Kidman as Atlanna
• Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry
• Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin
• Pilou Asbæk in a mysterious role connected to Necrus (minor antagonist)

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score is composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams, returning from the first film. The soundtrack blends sweeping orchestral moments with tribal percussion and electronic elements, underscoring the tension between ancient magic and futuristic tech. The main theme for the Lost Kingdom is especially ominous and chant-heavy.

Filming Locations

• Gold Coast, Australia – Underwater city scenes and high-tech interiors.
• Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada – Coastal scenes with Arthur’s family.
• Hawaii – Used for lush, ancient jungle sequences during the search for Necrus.
• Los Angeles studios – Extensive use of green screen and underwater effects.

Each location was used to contrast the grandeur of Atlantis with the eerie desolation of the Lost Kingdom and the humble warmth of Arthur’s surface life.

Awards and Nominations

As of now, the film has not won major awards, but it has been praised for:

• Visual Effects – Longlisted for several technical categories.
• Sound Design – Nominated at some regional film critics circles.
• Stunt Coordination – Noted for its complex underwater combat choreography.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• James Wan wanted the sequel to feel more like a horror-fantasy adventure than a standard superhero film.
• The production had to halt and resume several times due to COVID-19 delays and studio restructuring.
• Patrick Wilson trained extensively to make Orm more physically lean and less regal, showing his transformation.
• Jason Momoa co-wrote the initial story treatment for the film.

Inspirations and References

• Inspired by the “Aquaman: The Others” and “Throne of Atlantis” comic arcs.
• The character of Kordax is drawn from DC Comics but heavily reimagined.
• The Lost Kingdom visually and thematically nods to Lovecraftian horror and deep-sea folklore.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• An early draft featured Arthur dying and passing the mantle permanently to Orm, but this was scrapped for being too final.
• Deleted scenes include a more detailed flashback to Necrus’s fall and a longer training sequence between Arthur and Orm.
• There was also a scrapped subplot involving a surface-world villain trying to exploit Atlantean tech.

Book Adaptations and Differences

A novelization was released alongside the film. Differences include:

• More internal monologue from Arthur and Manta.
• A deeper backstory for Necrus and the rise of Kordax.
• Additional emotional moments between Arthur and his son.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Arthur and Orm riding sea dragons through underwater lava rivers.
• Black Manta’s transformation into a more demonic version of himself.
• Mera unleashing her full hydrokinesis power to create a tsunami shield.
• Arthur relinquishing the throne in a symbolic act of peace.

Iconic Quotes

• Arthur: “Being king doesn’t make you a father. But being a father might just make you a king.”
• Orm: “The ocean remembers — and it forgives. Sometimes.”
• Black Manta/Kordax: “You buried your monsters. I became mine.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Orm mentions “surface vigilantes in red suits,” a cheeky Flash reference.
• The map of Necrus includes a symbol resembling the old DCEU logo — a subtle goodbye.
• A sunken ship bears the name “Fisherman’s Mercy,” a nod to the original comics’ sea clans.
• Arthur briefly wears a version of his orange-and-green comic suit before discarding it.

Trivia

• Jason Momoa described this as his most personal superhero role to date.
• Nicole Kidman filmed all her scenes in less than two weeks.
• The underwater sequences took over 900 VFX artists to complete.
• The final runtime was trimmed by 20 minutes to tighten the pacing.

Why Watch?

This is a superhero film with heart, scope, and family-driven stakes. It’s not just another CGI punch-fest — it’s about legacy, sacrifice, and identity. Whether you’re a die-hard DC fan or just want a big-screen adventure with dazzling visuals and sibling banter, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is worth the dive.

Director’s Other Movies

• Aquaman (2018)
• The Conjuring (2013)
• Insidious (2010)
• Furious 7 (2015)
• Malignant (2021)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
• The Flash (2023)
• Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
• Thor: The Dark World (2013)