Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom extends the DC Extended Universe’s portrayal of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, drawing directly from decades of comic book source material while introducing new elements of environmental conflict and family legacy. The film builds on the 2018 Aquaman movie’s success by expanding the visual and narrative scope of an aquatic fantasy world that has evolved across multiple media formats since the 1940s.
Origins in DC Comics
Aquaman first appeared in More Fun Comics issue 73 in 1941, created by artist Paul Norris and writer Mort Weisinger. The character began as a surface-world adventurer with the ability to communicate with sea life and breathe underwater. Early stories positioned him as a protector of the oceans who occasionally allied with other heroes such as Superman and Wonder Woman.
Over subsequent decades the character underwent significant revisions. The 1960s introduced the full underwater kingdom of Atlantis as a central setting, complete with political intrigue and advanced technology. Writers such as Peter David in the 1990s further developed Aquaman’s personality, emphasising his isolation from both human and Atlantean societies. These comic iterations supplied the foundational traits that later adaptations would adapt for cinema.
Key Comic Storylines Informing the Films
Several comic arcs directly influenced the tone and mythology of the live-action films. The Throne of Atlantis storyline from 2012 explored tensions between Atlantis and the surface world, mirroring the diplomatic conflicts shown in both Aquaman movies. Geoff Johns’ 2003 run emphasised Aquaman’s connection to the ocean’s mythic history, including the sunken city of Atlantis and its lost technologies. These elements appear in the films through references to ancient artefacts and royal succession disputes.
The 2018 Aquaman Film as Foundation
James Wan’s 2018 Aquaman introduced Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, the half-human heir to the Atlantean throne. The production combined practical underwater filming techniques with extensive computer-generated imagery to realise the submerged environments. The film grossed over one billion dollars worldwide and demonstrated audience interest in expansive aquatic fantasy settings within the superhero genre.
Critics noted the movie’s departure from the darker tone of prior DCEU entries. Its emphasis on vibrant colour palettes and large-scale set pieces aligned more closely with the visual language of classic adventure serials than with contemporary gritty superhero narratives. This approach established a template for sequels seeking to balance spectacle with character-driven stakes.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Production Details
The sequel, released in December 2023, retained Wan as director and Momoa in the lead role. Production faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent industry strikes. The script introduced Arthur’s half-brother Orm as an ally rather than antagonist, shifting focus toward external threats facing Atlantis.
Underwater sequences utilised a combination of motion-capture technology and practical water tanks. The design of the Black Manta’s new armour and the kingdom of Necrus incorporated visual motifs from earlier comic depictions of lost civilisations. These choices maintained continuity with the established cinematic universe while expanding the range of underwater societies shown on screen.
Underwater Fantasy Trends Across Cinema
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom participates in a broader resurgence of underwater fantasy in mainstream film. Earlier examples include Disney’s 1989 animated The Little Mermaid and its 2023 live-action remake, both of which popularised elaborate aquatic set design for family audiences. The success of these projects encouraged studios to invest in larger-scale underwater worlds for adult-oriented properties as well.
Trends visible in recent productions include the integration of ecological themes with high-fantasy elements. Films increasingly portray oceans as politically contested spaces rather than mere backdrops. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom follows this pattern by framing resource extraction and environmental damage as central plot drivers, reflecting real-world concerns about marine ecosystems without abandoning the comic-derived spectacle of trident battles and sea creatures.
Thematic Analysis and Character Development
The sequel deepens Arthur’s struggle to balance his roles as king, father and reluctant diplomat. Orm’s redemption arc provides contrast, illustrating how personal history shapes responses to crisis. These character threads connect to longstanding comic explorations of Aquaman’s divided loyalties between surface and sea.
Visual motifs reinforce thematic concerns. Recurring images of polluted waters and damaged coral structures underscore the narrative’s environmental focus. The design of the antagonist’s forces draws from comic portrayals of industrial exploitation, translating static panels into dynamic action sequences that highlight both the beauty and fragility of the depicted realms.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Aquaman films have influenced subsequent superhero productions by proving that underwater settings can sustain blockbuster budgets and audience engagement. Merchandise lines and theme-park attractions tied to the franchise further extended the character’s reach beyond cinema screens.
Within comic publishing, renewed interest in Aquaman following the movies led to new series that revisited classic Atlantis lore while incorporating modern storytelling techniques. These publications continue to supply source material for potential future adaptations, maintaining a cycle between print and screen that has characterised the character since the 1940s.
Conclusion
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom consolidates the cinematic interpretation of a character whose comic history spans more than eighty years. By combining established mythological elements with contemporary production values, the film contributes to ongoing trends in underwater fantasy cinema. Its emphasis on environmental stakes and family dynamics offers a model for future adaptations seeking to honour source material while addressing current audience interests. The continued evolution of Aquaman across media demonstrates the enduring appeal of aquatic superhero narratives within popular culture.
Bibliography
Johns, G. (2003) Aquaman: The Waterbearer. New York: DC Comics.
Johns, G. and Reis, I. (2012) Aquaman Vol. 2: The Throne of Atlantis. New York: DC Comics.
McMillan, G. (2018) ‘How Aquaman Became DC’s Biggest Movie’, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 December.
Norris, P. and Weisinger, M. (1941) ‘The Submarine Strikes’, More Fun Comics, 73.
Variety Staff (2023) ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Review’, Variety, 18 December.
Wan, J. (2023) Interview with James Wan. Available at: https://www.dc.com (Accessed: 10 January 2024).
Warner Bros. Pictures (2023) Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Production Notes. Burbank: Warner Bros.
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