Following his detour back into horror with the recently released “Malignant,” filmmaker James Wan is back as the director on “Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom.” Filming on the follow-up to the billion-dollar hit has been underway in the United Kingdom. The returning cast includes Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Orm, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, and Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus.
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However, three new actors have joined the DC Comics film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Those new additions are Chinese-Portuguese actress Jani Zhao taking the role of Stingray, Indya Moore (“Pose,” “Escape Room 2”) is set to play DC Comics villain Karshon (a telepathic shark in the comics), and veteran actor Vincent Regan (“Lockout,” “300”) replaces Graham McTavish (recently joined HBO’s “House of The Dragon”) as King Atlan, the ancient ruler of Atlantis.
The report also mentions that Randall Park is reprising marine biologist, Dr. Stephen Shin, in the “Aquaman” sequel. Park is one of the few actors juggling roles in both the MCU (FBI Agent Jimmy Woo) and the DCEU.
Danish actor Pilou Asbæk (“Ghost In The Shell,” “Game of Thrones”) is among the newbies as well and is playing a villain. His role is most likely Mongo, as the “Lost Kingdom” in the title is expected to focus on Necrus, The Black City.
The first installment was a bit more comedic and tongue-in-cheek. Still, Wan has suggested it might be a bit dark, citing Mario Bava’s “The Planet of The Vampires” as a direct influence, also revealing a new stealth suit for the underwater superhero.
“Aquaman & The Lost King” will debut in theaters on December 16, 2022.