For months now it was clear that if Warner Bros. really did intend on introducing Aquaman in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, it was as far from a well-kept secret as possible. Zack Snyder laid the groundwork by recently defending the aquatic hero's honor, and now the studio has officially announced that the King of Atlantis will, in fact, appear in the film - and Jason Momoa will be playing him.

Like much of the news surrounding Warner Bros. and DC's upcoming universe-launching film, word of Momoa (Game of ThronesConan the Barbarian) landing the role in question has been all but known for months. First came word from DC Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns that Aquaman was a priority for the company, followed soon after by rumors that the hero would stand alongside DC's 'Big Three' in Dawn of Justice.

When industry sources broke that Momoa had been all but confirmed for the part - and the actor did nothing to deny the claim - it seemed an official announcement was imminent. Even more recently, reports claimed that WB was already moving forward on not one, but two scripts for a standalone Aquaman movie. Now, the studio has finally made it official in an investment meeting.

Jason Momoa Aquaman Movie Discussion

It's still unclear what role, if any, Momoa will play in Batman V Superman ahead of the solo film announced for July 27, 2018, but some have already begun speculating that seeds of his arrival were planted in Man of Steel. Whether that's true or not, fans can likely expect Zack Snyder to comment on the matter before long.

We've already outlined the reasons Aquaman can work in a blockbuster, thanks in part to the most recent New 52 reboot story from writer Geoff Johns. Whether the script that WB decides to adapt centers on Arthur Curry's return to Atlantis, an attack on the mainland led by his brother Orm, or simply an underwater threat only he can deal with, expect Johns' recent tenure to have a major influence.

There may still be some doubts over the hero's ability to not just join the ranks of DC's greatest heroes, but carry his own film. But by casting a towering action star (of Hawaiian and Native American descent) in a role largely seen as a walking joke by the masses, it's clear that Zack Snyder, DC and WB feel the time has come for the aquatic hero to be taken seriously.

Are you relieved to see the news finally confirmed, or did you still have your eye on another role for Momoa, or another actor in the part?

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice will be in theaters on May 6, 2016. Aquaman is scheduled for release on July 27, 2018.

Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce for updates on Aquaman as well as movie, TV, and gaming news.

Sources: DeadlineWSJ