Aquaman (2018) is a superhero action-adventure film directed by James Wan and starring Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, the half-human, half-Atlantean heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. The movie follows Arthur as he discovers his royal heritage, battles his half-brother Orm, and attempts to prevent a war between Atlantis and the surface world.
Movie Details
| Movie Title | Aquaman |
|---|---|
| Original Title | Aquaman |
| Release Date | December 21, 2018 |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Runtime | 143 minutes |
| Certificate / Age Rating | PG-13 |
| Status | Released |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Superhero |
| Director | James Wan |
| Writers | David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Will Beall, Geoff Johns, James Wan |
| Producers | Peter Safran, Rob Cowan |
| Production Company | Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, The Safran Company |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Budget | Approximately $160–200 million |
| Box Office | $1.152 billion worldwide |
Trailer
Cast
- Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman
- Amber Heard as Mera
- Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko
- Patrick Wilson as King Orm Marius / Ocean Master
- Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanna
- Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane / Black Manta
- Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry
- Ludi Lin as Captain Murk
- Michael Beach as Jesse Kane, David Kane’s father
- Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin
- Graham McTavish as King Atlan
- Leigh Whannell as Cargo Pilot
- Tainui Kirkwood as Young Arthur
- Tamor Kirkwood as Young Arthur
- Denzel Quirke as Young Arthur
- Kaan Guldur as Young Arthur
- Otis Dhanji as Young Arthur
- Kekoa Kekumano as Young Arthur
- Julie Andrews as Karathen (voice)
- John Rhys-Davies as the Brine King (voice)
- Djimon Hounsou as King Ricou (voice)
- Andrew Crawford as Brine King / King Ricou
- Sophia Forrest as Fisherman Princess
- Natalia Safran as Queen Rina
- Micah Ohlman as Newscaster
- Jack Andrew as Mike
- Frankie Creagh-Leslie as Matt
- Sophia Emberson-Bain as Aquarium Tour Guide
- Ilya Melnikoff as Submarine Captain
- Hank Amos as Submarine Pirate
- Kyryl Koltsov as Submarine Crew Member
- Patrick Cox as Cue Ball
- Luke Owen as Biker
- Robert Longstreet as Professor
- James Devika Parikh as Newscaster
- Morgan Sonny Le as Metalsmith
- Jon Fabian as Italian Vendor
- Mabel Tamone as Italian Young Girl
- Rita Dinardo as Italian Old Woman
- Anthony Standish as Barfly
- Nicolette Bianca as Italian Mother
- Victor Leto as Flower Stall Vendor
- Vincent B. Gorce as Italian Bell Father
- Gabriella Petkova as Italian Bell Girl
- Oriana Iacono as Italian Bell Mother
- Pearl Grantham as Ancient Atlantean Woman
- Noa Tsuchiya as Ancient Atlantean Child
- Alice Lanesbury as Arthur’s Teacher
- Nicolas Bosc as Atlantean Soldier #1
- Joshua Levinson as Atlantean Soldier #2
Story / Plot
Aquaman begins with Thomas Curry, a lighthouse keeper, rescuing Atlanna, the Queen of Atlantis. The two fall in love and have a son named Arthur. However, Atlanna eventually has to return to Atlantis because her relationship with a human threatens her family and kingdom.
Arthur grows up between the surface world and the ocean. His mother is believed to have been executed by Atlantis, while his father raises him on the surface. Arthur later learns from Vulko that he is actually the heir to the throne of Atlantis.
Years later, Arthur becomes involved in a conflict between Atlantis and the surface world. His half-brother, Orm, is the King of Atlantis and wants to unite the underwater kingdoms and become the Ocean Master. Orm believes the surface world’s pollution and destruction of the oceans justify a war against humanity.
Mera seeks Arthur’s help because she believes he is the rightful heir who can stop Orm. Arthur initially refuses to accept his responsibility, but Vulko explains that he must prove himself worthy of the throne.
Arthur and Mera travel across the world searching for the legendary Trident of Atlan, the weapon that can prove Arthur’s right to rule Atlantis. Their journey takes them through ancient ruins, underwater kingdoms and dangerous locations while Orm continues building his forces.
Meanwhile, David Kane, known as Black Manta, seeks revenge against Arthur after Arthur prevents him and his father from hijacking a submarine. Orm gives David advanced Atlantean technology, allowing him to become the heavily armed villain known as Black Manta.
Arthur and Mera eventually discover the lost Trident of Atlan. Arthur retrieves the weapon after facing the giant Karathen and proving that he is the true heir to Atlantis.
With the Trident in his possession, Arthur returns to Atlantis to confront Orm. The two brothers fight for the throne while the underwater armies prepare for a massive battle.
Ending Explained
At the end of Aquaman, Arthur returns to Atlantis with the legendary Trident of Atlan. The weapon proves that he is the true heir to the throne and gives him the power and authority needed to challenge Orm.
Arthur and Orm fight in a final battle. Orm is initially confident that he can defeat Arthur, but Arthur refuses to kill his own brother. Instead, he defeats him and allows him to live.
After Arthur defeats Orm, the underwater kingdoms recognize him as the rightful King of Atlantis. Orm’s supporters stop fighting, and the planned war against the surface world comes to an end.
Arthur’s decision not to kill Orm is important because it shows that he is different from the rulers who came before him. He chooses to unite the surface world and Atlantis instead of allowing the two worlds to destroy each other.
Arthur’s mother, Atlanna, is also revealed to be alive. She had survived her punishment in Atlantis and had been living in exile. Her reunion with Arthur and Thomas gives the story its emotional conclusion.
In the final moments, Arthur fully accepts his identity as Aquaman and becomes the King of Atlantis. Mera stands beside him as he prepares to lead Atlantis and build a connection between the underwater kingdom and the surface world.
The movie also sets up Black Manta as a continuing enemy. Although Arthur defeats him earlier in the film, David Kane survives and remains determined to get revenge on Aquaman.
Where to Watch Aquaman (2018)
Availability varies by country and can change over time. Current listings show Aquaman available through subscription services in India, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar and Vi Movies & TV, while Apple TV Store offers digital purchase/rental options.
- Netflix – Official Homepage
- Amazon Prime Video – Official Homepage
- JioHotstar – Official Homepage
- Vi Movies & TV – Official Homepage
- Apple TV – Official Homepage
- JustWatch – Check current availability by country
Streaming, rental and purchase availability may differ depending on your territory.
Franchise / Connections
| Franchise | DC Extended Universe (DCEU) |
|---|---|
| Prequel / Previous DCEU Appearance | Justice League (2017) |
| Sequel | Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) |
Connection to Justice League: Arthur Curry was introduced as Aquaman in Justice League (2017). Aquaman expands his character, explains his Atlantean heritage and explores his journey toward becoming the King of Atlantis.
FAQs
What is Aquaman (2018) about?
Aquaman follows Arthur Curry, a half-human and half-Atlantean hero who must stop his half-brother Orm from starting a war between Atlantis and the surface world.
Who plays Aquaman?
Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman.
Who directed Aquaman?
Aquaman was directed by James Wan.
Who plays Mera in Aquaman?
Amber Heard plays Mera, an Atlantean warrior and Arthur Curry’s ally.
Who is the villain in Aquaman?
The main villain is Orm Marius, also known as Ocean Master, played by Patrick Wilson. Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, is another major antagonist.
Who is Ocean Master in Aquaman?
Ocean Master is Orm Marius, Arthur Curry’s half-brother and the King of Atlantis. He wants to unite the underwater kingdoms and wage war against the surface world.
Who is Black Manta in Aquaman?
Black Manta is David Kane, a pirate and mercenary who blames Arthur for his father’s death and seeks revenge against Aquaman.
Is Aquaman part of the DC Extended Universe?
Yes. Aquaman is part of the DC Extended Universe and follows Arthur Curry’s appearance in Justice League.
Is Aquaman connected to Justice League?
Yes. Aquaman continues Arthur Curry’s story after the events of Justice League and expands his origins, relationship with Atlantis and connection to Mera and Vulko.
Who is Arthur Curry’s mother in Aquaman?
Arthur’s mother is Atlanna, the former Queen of Atlantis, played by Nicole Kidman.
Who is Arthur Curry’s father?
Arthur’s father is Thomas Curry, a lighthouse keeper played by Temuera Morrison.
Is Aquaman really half-human and half-Atlantean?
Yes. Arthur Curry is the son of human lighthouse keeper Thomas Curry and Atlantean Queen Atlanna, making him half-human and half-Atlantean.
What is the Trident of Atlan?
The Trident of Atlan is a legendary weapon connected to the first King of Atlantis. Arthur retrieves it and uses it to prove that he is the rightful ruler of Atlantis.
How does Arthur become King of Atlantis?
Arthur becomes King of Atlantis after defeating Orm and proving himself worthy of the Trident of Atlan. The underwater kingdoms recognize him as their rightful ruler.
Does Arthur kill Orm in Aquaman?
No. Arthur defeats Orm but chooses not to kill him. Orm survives and is taken into custody.
Is Atlanna alive in Aquaman?
Yes. Atlanna survived and eventually reunites with Arthur and Thomas near the end of the movie.
Does Black Manta die in Aquaman?
No. Black Manta survives his confrontation with Aquaman, leaving the door open for his return.
Does Aquaman have a post-credit scene?
Yes. The movie has a mid-credits scene involving Black Manta and Dr. Stephen Shin. The scene helps establish Black Manta’s continuing story.
Is Aquaman a superhero movie?
Yes. Aquaman is a DC superhero action-adventure movie that combines superhero action with fantasy and science-fiction elements.
How long is Aquaman (2018)?
Aquaman has a runtime of approximately 143 minutes, or 2 hours and 23 minutes.
When was Aquaman released?
Aquaman was released in the United States on December 21, 2018.
Where can I watch Aquaman online?
Legal availability changes by country. Current listings include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar and Vi Movies & TV in India, while Apple TV Store offers digital purchase or rental options. Check JustWatch for the latest availability in your country.
Is Aquaman available on Netflix?
Aquaman is currently listed on Netflix in India, although streaming availability can change by territory and over time.
Is Aquaman available on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes. Aquaman is currently listed on Amazon Prime Video in India.
Is Aquaman available on JioHotstar?
Yes. Aquaman is currently listed on JioHotstar in India.
Is Aquaman available on Apple TV?
Yes. Aquaman is available through the Apple TV Store for digital purchase or rental, depending on the territory.
Is Aquaman based on DC Comics?
Yes. Aquaman is based on the DC Comics character created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.
Is Aquaman connected to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Yes. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the direct sequel to Aquaman and continues Arthur Curry’s story as King of Atlantis.
What happens at the end of Aquaman?
Arthur defeats Orm, obtains the Trident of Atlan and becomes the King of Atlantis. He chooses to unite Atlantis with the surface world instead of allowing Orm’s war to continue.
Is Aquaman worth watching?
If you enjoy DC superhero movies, underwater fantasy worlds, large-scale action, mythology and adventure, Aquaman offers a visually focused superhero experience centered on Arthur Curry’s journey to become King of Atlantis.
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