James Wan has already begun filming on Aquaman and has largely filled out his cast, but it now appears Michael Beach could be playing Black Manta's father. While it will be Justice League that gives audiences a proper introduction to Jason Momoa's Aquaman, his solo movie will open up the entire underwater world of the DC Extended Universe. Prior to Aquaman hitting theaters, fans will already have had the chance to see a few of its characters as Mera (Amber Heard) and Vulko (Willem DaFoe) will debut before. However, the solo film will offer up the first looks at many others, such as its villain, Black Manta.

The Get Down's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will serve as the film's big bad and go toe-to-toe with Arthur Curry throughout. For those that are familiar with his comic ties to Aquaman, they know that two are highly connected thanks to Manta's father. It was previously unknown if this part of their story would be included in the film, but it looks to be the case as Michael Beach may be playing the part.

A few weeks back, Beach was included in a photo with Abdul-Mateen in Australia - where Aquaman is currently filming - sparking speculation that he could have a role in the film, specifically as Mateen's character's father. Nothing official has yet to come of that speculation, but it did lead to a fan asking Beach on Twitter if he was playing Black Manta's father. His following response is coy, but also appears to confirm it to be true.

Yes or No ... correct! https://t.co/khOOAPjSMa— Michael Beach (@MikeABeach) May 24, 2017

For those that have not read the comics, what follows is the comic history between Aquaman, Black Manta, and his father. This could all change for the purposes of the film, but if it is used, this could be considered slight spoilers for those trying to go in clean. If you're still with us, it is actually Aquaman who is responsible for the death of Black Manta's father. After Manta and his father fought Thomas Curry (played by Temuera Morrison), Thomas dies of a heart attack. The death of his biological father puts Arthur on a revenge mission to kill the man responsible, and does so by killing Black Manta's father. Little did he know, Black Manta would use this to fuel his own hatred for the Atlantean king.

Again, there is no guarantee that this is the plot Wan will decide to follow, but the unannounced casting of Beach in this role makes sense if it is so small. This would not only make comic book readers happy as Wan directly adapts the character's origins, but also gives Black Manta understandable motives instead of being drunk for power like so many villains. If this is the case, Beach may not have much screen time, but he is an actor capable of adding substance to the smallest parts - possibly making him a great fit, if this turns out to be true.

MORE: Aquaman Set Photos

Source: Michael Beach

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