The first Aquaman film premiered in December 2018 to lukewarm reviews but commercial success. While the film's plot and dialogue were criticized, critics praised Jason Momoa, the film's tone and action, and the visual effects. The film made $1.148 billion at the box office, making it the highest-grossing DCEU movie by far.

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A sequel soon became inevitable. In January 2019, Warner Bros. officially announced its development, with James Wan returning to the director's chair and Jason Momoa reprising the title role. But aside from Momoa, who else is returning for Arthur Curry's second adventure? Some actors, like Amber Heard and Patrick Wilson, have been vocal about their return. Others, like Willem Dafoe and Randall Park, remain uncertain. And as the project takes shape, fans slowly learn more about this upcoming project.

Pilou Asbæk As TBD

Euron Greyjoy Pilou Asbaek Game of Thrones

After making waves with his divisive portrayal of Euron Greyjoy in the last three seasons of Game of Thrones, Pilou Asbæk's career continues to grow. In April of this year, reports surfaced about the actor being in talks to join Aquaman 2. Warner Bros. did not comment on the casting report, so fans still don't know which character he might portray. 

Asbæk joins Momoa as the second Thrones alum in the DCEU. Although his role remains a secret, previous acting credits like Overlord and Thrones suggest the Danish actor could play a villain. It could be a henchman to Black Manta or someone more meaningful.  

Dolph Lundgren As King Nereus

King Nereus - Aquaman

Swedish actor, filmmaker, and martial artist Dolph Lundgren had a small but pivotal role in Aquaman. He player King Nereus, Mera's father and the leader of the Atlantean tribe of Xebel. He gets tricked into an alliance by Ocean Master through false promises.

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In a recent interview in February of this year, Lundgren declared that the sequel would begin filming this summer in London. "I may be doing Aquaman 2 this summer, shooting in London," the actor stated. "And that's coming out the following year in theaters, they hope." Lundgren went on to talk about his time shooting the first film, calling it "very, very tedious, but (it's) a different experience."

Patrick Wilson As King Orm/Ocean Master

DCEU: Aquaman Ocean Master Orm Patrick Wilson

Veteran actor, singer, and certified "scream king" Patrick Wilson left his mark as King Orm in Aquaman. As the film's villain, Wilson managed to make the character amusing and entertaining while still acting as a menacing and worthy opponent for Momoa's title hero.

Wilson expressed interest in reprising his role as Orm, especially if long-time collaborator James Wan also returned as the director. His involvement in the sequel got confirmed last year during DC Fandome, and just four days ago, the actor posted an image on Instagram revealing he'd begun training for the sequel. Despite his antagonistic nature in the first film, Orm may be heading for a redemption path similar to Loki's in the MCU.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II As David Kane/Black Manta

Black Manta Rescued Aquaman

Fresh of his Emmy-winning role in HBO's hit miniseries Watchmen, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will return for Aquaman 2. He'll once again play the role of Aquaman's archnemesis, Black Manta. The previous film served as an introduction for the character and set up his return as the sequel's main villain. Randall Park could also return as Dr. Stephen Shin, but there's been no casting announcement yet.

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Earlier this year, the actor shared a video on his Twitter captioned "Aquaman 2 prep." The short clip reveals nothing about the upcoming sequel, but it does provide some hope. And with production starting soon, nothing stops Aquaman 2 from making its current release date of December 2022.

Amber Heard As Mera

Mera floating in the sea in a promotional poster for Aquaman

Amber Heard will return as Mera in the Aquaman sequel. The actress, who played the role of Xebel's Princess in Justice League, Aquaman, and Zack Snyder's Justice League, posted a behind-the-scenes photo of herself in costume as Mera.

The photo is most likely from the first movie because Aquaman 2 doesn't start shooting until the summer. However, Heard's appearance as Mera in the Knightmare sequence in Zack Snyder's Justice League, along with debunked rumors about her firing, make it clear that she'll return as the sequel's sole female lead.

Jason Momoa As Arthur Curry/Aquaman

Jason Momoa as Aquaman in an air bubble under the sea in Zack Snyder's Justice League

There's no Aquaman sequel without Jason Momoa. The actor's charismatic performance redefined the character and is arguably the reason for the film's overwhelming box-office success. Momoa's recent performance in Zack Snyder's Justice League received positive notices, increasing the character's popularity.

Per James Wan, Aquaman 2 will be more stern and introspective. Wan also revealed that he would explore with more creatures and objects, something he wanted to do since the first film. Momoa also hinted that Aquaman 2 would be "bigger" and suggested that some of his ideas might make it to the final product. Aquaman 2 is set for a December 2022 release date, pitting it against the long-delayed Avatar sequel at the box office. Only time will tell which of the two comes out on top.

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