Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) is a DC superhero action-adventure film directed by James Wan and the sequel to Aquaman (2018). The story follows Arthur Curry as he struggles to balance his responsibilities as the King of Atlantis and a new father while facing Black Manta, who has obtained the powerful Black Trident. To defeat this new threat, Arthur must form an unlikely alliance with his imprisoned half-brother Orm.
Movie Details
| Movie Title | Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Original Title | Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom |
| Release Date | December 20, 2023 (International); December 22, 2023 (United States) |
| Release Year | 2023 |
| Runtime | 124 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, James Wan, Jason Momoa, Thomas Pa’a Sibbett |
| Producers | Peter Safran, James Wan, Rob Cowan |
| Production Company | Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, Atomic Monster, The Safran Company |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Budget | Approximately $205 million |
| Box Office | $440.2 million worldwide |
Trailer
Cast
- Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman
- Patrick Wilson as Orm Marius / Ocean Master
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane / Black Manta
- Amber Heard as Mera
- Nicole Kidman as Atlanna
- Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin
- Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry
- Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus
- Martin Short as Kingfish (voice)
- Jani Zhao as Stingray
- Pilou Asbæk as Kordax
- Indya Moore as Karshon
- John Rhys-Davies as the Brine King (voice)
- Vincent Regan as Atlan
- Jay McDonald as Ocean Freighter Captain
- Tyler Burger as Junior Baby
- Maddox Cruz-Porter as Junior Baby
- River Ao Moemoea Green as Junior Baby
- Nikau Keats Green as Junior Baby
- Bodhi McCabe as Junior Baby
- Elliot Oben-Pepra as Junior Baby
- Lucian Oben-Pepra as Junior Baby
- Arthur Rowe-Mayer as Junior Baby
- Noah Rowe-Mayer as Junior Baby
Story / Plot
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom takes place after Arthur Curry has become the King of Atlantis. Arthur is now married to Mera and has become a father to their son, Arthur Jr. Although he has gained the throne, Arthur struggles to balance his responsibilities as a king, husband and father.
Meanwhile, David Kane has become even more obsessed with getting revenge against Aquaman for the death of his father. While searching for a way to defeat Arthur, Black Manta discovers an ancient black trident containing a powerful and dangerous force.
The Black Trident is connected to Kordax, an ancient Atlantean ruler whose dark power has survived for thousands of years. Kordax’s power makes Black Manta much more dangerous than before.
Black Manta eventually discovers that the ancient kingdom of Necrus can provide the resources needed to power his weapon. His plan is not simply to defeat Aquaman. He wants to destroy Atlantis and everyone Arthur loves.
Black Manta’s actions also have devastating consequences for the underwater world. His use of the ancient power contributes to the spread of a dangerous plague and threatens the balance of the oceans.
Arthur realizes that he cannot defeat Black Manta alone. He needs information about the ancient world and the Black Trident, which leads him to his imprisoned half-brother, Orm.
Orm was previously the King of Atlantis and Arthur’s enemy. Arthur freed him from his imprisonment because Orm possesses knowledge about Atlantis, the ancient kingdoms and the forces threatening the underwater world.
Arthur and Orm reluctantly travel together to find Black Manta and stop Kordax’s ancient power. Although the brothers constantly argue, they gradually begin to understand each other and develop a genuine brotherly bond.
Their journey eventually leads them to the lost kingdom of Necrus, where Black Manta attempts to use Kordax’s power to destroy Atlantis.
Arthur and Orm must work together to stop him before the ancient evil is completely unleashed.
Ending Explained
In the final act of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Arthur and Orm reach the lost kingdom of Necrus and confront Black Manta.
Black Manta has been corrupted by the power of the Black Trident and Kordax. His goal is to use the ancient kingdom’s power to destroy Atlantis and take revenge on Arthur.
Arthur realizes that defeating Black Manta is not enough. The real threat is Kordax’s ancient power, which is tied to the Black Trident and the lost kingdom.
Orm discovers that the only way to stop Kordax is to destroy the Black Trident. He sacrifices himself to protect Arthur and gives his brother the opportunity to destroy the source of Kordax’s power.
Arthur manages to destroy the Black Trident, breaking Kordax’s hold over Black Manta and preventing the ancient evil from destroying Atlantis.
Black Manta falls into the ocean after losing the power of the Black Trident. His ultimate fate is left uncertain, but he survives the events of the movie.
Arthur initially believes that Orm has died during the battle. However, Orm survives and later chooses to disappear rather than return to his old position of power.
Arthur and Orm’s relationship has completely changed by the end of the movie. They began as enemies fighting for control of Atlantis, but their journey forces them to understand that they are brothers who can work together.
The movie also shows Arthur becoming more open to the surface world. Instead of keeping Atlantis completely hidden, he begins moving toward greater cooperation between Atlantis and humanity.
Arthur’s role as a king has therefore changed. He is no longer simply protecting Atlantis from the surface world. He wants Atlantis and humanity to work together to protect the oceans and create a better future.
Where to Watch Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Availability varies by country and can change over time. Current listings show the movie on legal streaming and digital services depending on territory. JustWatch currently lists Netflix for streaming in some markets and digital rental or purchase options through services such as Apple TV Store and Amazon Video. Always check your local platform for current availability.
- Netflix – Official Homepage
- Amazon Prime Video – Official Homepage
- Apple TV – Official Homepage
- Max – Official Homepage
- YouTube Movies – Official Movies Homepage
- JioHotstar – Official Homepage
- JustWatch – Check Current Legal Availability by Country
Streaming, rental and purchase availability differs by territory. The links above lead to the official platforms rather than unauthorized movie-streaming websites.
Franchise / Connections
| Franchise | DC Extended Universe (DCEU) |
|---|---|
| Prequel | Aquaman (2018) |
| Sequel | No direct sequel currently announced |
Connection to Aquaman (2018): Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom directly continues Arthur Curry’s story after the events of the first Aquaman movie. Arthur is now the King of Atlantis, while Orm is imprisoned following his defeat.
DC Extended Universe connection: The movie is the sequel to Aquaman and is part of the DC Extended Universe. It also serves as the final theatrical film released under the DCEU continuity.
FAQs
What is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom about?
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom follows Arthur Curry as he tries to protect Atlantis and his family from Black Manta, who obtains the powerful Black Trident and becomes connected to an ancient evil force.
Who plays Aquaman in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman.
Who is the main villain in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
The main villain is Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. He uses the Black Trident and its ancient power to seek revenge against Aquaman.
Who is Black Manta?
Black Manta is David Kane, a villain who blames Aquaman for the death of his father. He returns in the sequel with a powerful ancient weapon called the Black Trident.
What is the Black Trident?
The Black Trident is an ancient weapon connected to Kordax and the lost kingdom of Necrus. It gives Black Manta access to a powerful and dangerous supernatural force.
Who is Kordax?
Kordax is an ancient Atlantean ruler connected to the lost kingdom of Necrus. His dark power survives through the Black Trident and becomes a major threat in the movie.
Why does Aquaman team up with Orm?
Aquaman needs Orm’s knowledge of the underwater kingdoms and ancient Atlantean history to locate and stop Black Manta. Although Orm was previously his enemy, the two brothers are forced to work together.
Is Orm a villain in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Orm begins the movie as a prisoner after the events of Aquaman, but he becomes an unlikely ally to Arthur. His relationship with Arthur changes significantly during their journey.
Does Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom explain what happened to Orm?
Yes. Orm is imprisoned after losing his throne to Arthur. Arthur eventually frees him temporarily because he needs Orm’s knowledge to stop Black Manta.
Does Orm die in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
No. Orm survives the final events of the movie and eventually chooses to remain away from the throne.
Does Black Manta die in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Black Manta falls into the ocean after the destruction of the Black Trident, but the movie does not clearly confirm his death.
Who plays Orm in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Patrick Wilson plays Orm Marius, also known as Ocean Master.
Who plays Black Manta?
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays David Kane, also known as Black Manta.
Who plays Mera?
Amber Heard returns as Mera, the Queen of Atlantis and Arthur’s wife.
Who plays King Nereus?
Dolph Lundgren returns as King Nereus, Mera’s father and the ruler of Xebel.
Who plays Dr. Stephen Shin?
Randall Park returns as Dr. Stephen Shin, a scientist who is fascinated by Atlantis and the underwater world.
Who plays Kordax?
Pilou Asbæk plays Kordax, the ancient ruler connected to the lost kingdom of Necrus.
Who plays Karshon?
Indya Moore plays Karshon, an Atlantean political leader.
Who is Kingfish in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Kingfish is the ruler of the Sunken Citadel and is voiced by Martin Short.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom connected to Aquaman 2018?
Yes. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a direct sequel to Aquaman (2018) and continues Arthur Curry’s story as the King of Atlantis.
Do I need to watch Aquaman before Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Yes. Watching Aquaman (2018) first is recommended because it explains Arthur’s origin, his relationship with Orm and Mera, Black Manta’s motivation and how Arthur became King of Atlantis.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom part of the DCEU?
Yes. The movie was released as part of the DC Extended Universe and continues the story established in the earlier DCEU Aquaman film.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom the last DCEU movie?
Yes. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was the final theatrical film released under the DCEU continuity before the DC Universe was rebooted under the new DC Studios continuity.
Does Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have a post-credit scene?
Yes. The movie includes a mid-credits scene involving Arthur and a humorous food-related moment with Orm.
What happens to Atlantis at the end?
Atlantis survives the attack, and Arthur continues ruling as King. Arthur also moves toward greater cooperation between Atlantis and the surface world.
Does Arthur remain King of Atlantis?
Yes. Arthur remains the King of Atlantis and continues working to protect both Atlantis and the surface world.
Does Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have a sequel?
No direct sequel has been released or officially announced following Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
How long is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has a runtime of approximately 124 minutes, or 2 hours and 4 minutes.
When was Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom released?
The movie began its international theatrical release on December 20, 2023, with its United States release on December 22, 2023.
Who directed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
James Wan directed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom based on DC Comics?
Yes. The movie is based on the DC Comics character Aquaman, created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.
Where can I watch Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom online?
Legal availability varies by country. Services that may carry the movie include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and other digital or streaming platforms depending on your territory. Check JustWatch for the latest legal availability in your country.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom on Netflix?
Availability depends on the country. Netflix currently has a listing for the movie, but the title may not be available in every territory.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom on Amazon Prime Video?
Availability depends on the territory. Amazon Prime Video currently has a listing for the movie, including rental and purchase options in some markets.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom on Apple TV?
Yes. Apple TV has a listing for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with digital availability depending on the territory.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom on Max?
Yes. The movie originally began streaming on Max in February 2024. Current availability can vary by country and over time.
Is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom worth watching?
If you enjoy DC superhero movies, underwater fantasy, large-scale action, Atlantis, Aquaman and Black Manta, the movie continues the characters and world introduced in the first Aquaman film.
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