There's never been a better time to be an Aquaman fan, with the last few days bringing the first official image of Jason Momoa in full costume - and now, stronger evidence that audiences may not have to wait as long as expected to see him in live-action.
Despite the official announcement of DC and Warner Bros.' planned movie slate, the very nature of their shared universe makes it unclear just when certain heroes will be making their debut - Momoa's recently-revealed Aquaman chief among them. According to Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice composer Hans Zimmer, it seems the long-running rumor that the aquatic hero will be introduced in the Justice League set-up is accurate.
Some fans may have already assumed that to be the case, despite the presence of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman no doubt crowding the room. The rumors of a Justice League movie to follow Man of Steel seemed to confirm the arrival of Aquaman, The Flash, and even Cyborg. Yet when the film was revealed to be merely "the dawn" of the famed superhero team - with a Justice League film to follow - the 'Big Three' were deemed likely to take the spotlight, and reserve their surrounding League members for the follow-up.
Yet when speaking with MTV at this year's Academy Awards, Hans Zimmer (currently in the process of scoring Batman V Superman along with Junkie XL) revealed that he's yet to complete the task:
"Oh great, oh yeah, I have one evening off, and you guys have to go right there - to the unwritten score!... I have an idea. I got a couple of ideas."
As the man responsible for crafting the sounds of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, it was no surprise that Zimmer joined director Zack Snyder in scoring a brand new Superman with Man of Steel. But after struggling with the task of re-scoring Batman so soon, a solution was found, and it seemed launching the musical DNA of the Justice League universe rested in Zimmer's capable hands - with Snyder handling the visuals.
Following the recent rumors that Aquaman would first appear in Dawn of Justice (in a small role), Zimmer was asked if his scoring duties now included introducing both Wonder Woman and Aquaman with their accompanying themes:
"I'm trying... I'll put it that way. We are in early days, but yes. You know, of course, ideally that's what you want to do."
Since Zimmer chose not to dodge the question, or claim that he was unaware if an Aquaman theme was to fall to him so soon, it seems the hero's debut is confirmed.
The only real question now becomes exactly what Snyder has planned for the introduction: will a 'small' role really warrant the crafting of his own musical theme, presumably designed to give an impression of what his solo film will entail? Will such a role offer enough time to hint at the Polynesian culture behind this new take on Aquaman - or simply confirm that he is, as Snyder has promised, "badass"?
This news will come as good news to those on board with Momoa's casting, since it means seeing him in action before Justice League - Part One or the solo Aquaman. However, those concerned that Snyder is trying to balance far too many characters will see this confirmation quite differently. But whatever the result, the King of Atlantis will have one powerful theme to look forward to... "ideally."
What do you think of this news? Are you curious to see what larger story or conclusion will bring Aquaman into the Dawn of Justice fold, or does his presence raise concerns about giving the other stars their due attention?
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 25, 2016, followed by Justice League – Part 1 on November 17th, 2017, Aquaman on July 27th, 2018, and Justice League – Part 2 on June 14th, 2019.
Source: MTV