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Entertainment • Film

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a 2023 American superhero film directed by James Wan and based on the DC Comics character Aquaman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a 2023 American superhero film directed by James Wan and based on the DC Comics character Aquaman. It is the sequel to Aquaman (2018) and stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, with Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, and others in supporting roles. The story follows Aquaman and his half-brother Orm as they join forces against Black Manta and a threat tied to the Black Trident.

Plot

The film follows Arthur Curry as he confronts Black Manta, who uses the Black Trident in an attempt to unleash an ancient force. Aquaman is forced to work with Orm to protect Atlantis and the wider world.

Cast

The principal cast includes Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Randall Park, Temuera Morrison, Martin Short, and others.

Production

James Wan directed the film, and David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick wrote the screenplay. The film was produced for Warner Bros. Pictures with Peter Safran and Rob Cowan among the producers.

Release

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom premiered in theatres on December 22, 2023, with a runtime of 124 minutes. It later became available through streaming in January 2024 according to distributor listings.

Key facts

  • It is the second solo Aquaman film in the DC film franchise.
  • Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman.
  • Patrick Wilson plays Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and former king of Atlantis.
  • Yahya Abdul-Mateen II returns as Black Manta, the film’s main antagonist.
  • The plot centers on an uneasy alliance between Aquaman and Orm to stop Black Manta and the Black Trident.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canada as part of the international theatrical rollout of a major Warner Bros. superhero release, and it is relevant to Canadian audiences through English-language distribution and home entertainment availability.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom a sequel?
Yes. It is the sequel to Aquaman (2018).
Who directed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
James Wan directed the film.
Who plays Aquaman?
Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman.
Who is the main villain?
Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is the main antagonist.
When was it released?
It was released in theatres on December 22, 2023.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaman_and_the_Lost_Kingdom
    Supports: Director, cast, sequel status, and general plot overview.
  2. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/aquaman_and_the_lost_kingdom
    Supports: Synopsis, director, writer, distributor, genre, runtime, and release date.
  3. Netflix Tudumhttps://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-release-date-news
    Supports: Cast, sequel context, and plot description.
  4. Apple TVhttps://tv.apple.com/in/movie/aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom/umc.cmc.76gl6ebebp2scb3fu9fc26fa0
    Supports: Runtime, plot summary, director, and starring cast.