Summary
- Aquaman’s complexity, humor, and progression is perfectly captured by Jason Momoa’s performance.
- Memorable dynamic between Bruce Wayne and Aquaman sets up a nuanced and capable character.
- Momoa’s portrayal balances physical strength, resilience, humor, and determination as Aquaman.
The DCEU certainly had its flaws, but when it came to casting, actors like Jason Momoa, who played Aquaman perfectly captured their roles, proving why they should be brought back in James Gunn’s DCU. The DCEU had a fairly limited lifespan, but when it came to its Justice League, there was a lot of promise that never got a chance to fully shine. Fortunately, Momoa had an additional two solo films to explore the character of Arthur Curry, and he nailed it.
Aquaman is a character who comes with a range of complexity. Raised on the land as a human, with little understanding of his Atlantean heritage, Arthur grew up to be fiercely independent. However, he also uses humor to connect with those around him, often shielding himself from deeper topics. But, as he learns about his past, and settles into his role as the King of Atlantis, he begins to soften and open up. On top of this, he needs to be an outstanding fighter, and Jason Momoa delivered all of these details and more in his performance.
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10 Batman Meets Aquaman
Justice League
The first encounter between Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne and Momoa’s Arthur Curry is tense, with Wayne approaching the small village seeking out the legendary Aquaman. However, the village is protective of Arthur’s secret, and he stands among them, acting as a translator and ambassador. However, Wayne is clever enough to put the pieces together and figure out that Arthur is standing right in front of him.
The scene explores the protective side of Arthur, and his love for the villagers, which is then seen in a much more visceral way when he picks up Bruce by his jacket and pushes back on his advance for knowledge. This is a shining example of how Arthur is a man between two worlds, but it also shows that he is a capable diplomat, even at this early stage in the DCEU. It’s also just really fun to see the dynamic between Bruce and Arthur being set up.
9 Aquaman Faces The Trench
Aquaman
However, Aquaman is also a fierce fighter when it comes to handling his enemies. Batman wasn’t a threat to his people, either on the land or below the sea, but when he faces the monstrous creatures from the Trench, he showcases his fighting prowess. Thanks to the direction of James Wan, a legendary horror director who directed Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring, this scene is dark and ominous, but Momoa proves his heroic ability as he puts the monsters in their place.
If this scene was in a horror movie, the monsters may have had greater success in terrorizing Aquaman, but Momoa is the perfect actor to turn the tables on the creatures from the deep. With swift and fluid moves, he dispatches several of the monsters in inventive and elaborate ways. Then, he and Mera dive into the water to find another way out, while still repelling the growing hoard that surrounds them.
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8 Aquaman Fights Orm In The Ring Of Fire
Aquaman
The Trench was not the only thing that stood between Aquaman and him assuming his place as the King of Atlantis. In the first movie, Aquaman meets his half brother, Orm, but since Arthur could potentially be a threat to Orm’s position as the King of Atlantis, he does not have any brotherly affection for Arthur. As a means of proving his rightful place as King, and progressing to claim the title of Ocean Master, Orm challenges Arthur to a duel in the ring of fire.
This is a defining moment for Arthur, but it isn’t because he proves how strong he is. Arthur loses this initial battle with his brother, after the trident passed down to him by his mother is shattered. While he could have thrown a tantrum, or completely lost hope, Aquaman uses this loss as a growth opportunity, and prepares for another battle. This emotion and strength, more than physical strength, is perfectly performed by Momoa.
7 Bedtime Stories With Arthur Jr.
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom
In addition to his physical strength, his mental resilience, and his diplomacy, Arthur is also funny. This is perhaps best seen when he is recounting stories to his son, Arthur Jr., in the beginning of Aquaman 2. Arthur uses this moment to teach his son about his adventures, and his role as King of Atlantis. Momoa delivers the perfect balance as he lights up talking about his great battles, and sours as he discusses his work dealing with problems in the kingdom.
This humor and balance is important for the character, and it’s another part of the character that Momoa has down perfectly. It also shows that Momoa is prepared to play Aquaman at any point on this spectrum, from hopeful and jolly, to sullen and a warrior. Whatever the tone of the DCU’s version of the character, Momoa could do it justice.
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6 Arthur Curry Single-Handedly Wipes Out The Submarine Crew
Aquaman
Aquaman can also be a harsh vessel of justice. During an encounter with some sea raiders who are equipped with high-tech weapons, Aquaman is able to quickly defeat the inhabitants of their submarine. While they throw everything they have at him, he manages to withstand and brush off their every attack with ease. However, these actions do also appear somewhat reckless.
Aquaman may have been angered by the men who attacked him, but considering how powerful he is, they were never a threat in this fight. However, when they beg for help, he denies their request coldly. This is another side of Aquaman that is important to show, and Momoa captures it brilliantly. And, it exposes a much darker side to the character.
5 Aquaman Accidentally Sits On The Lasso Of Truth
Justice League
While Aquaman may put on a tough outer shell around his enemies, it’s a very different story when it comes to his friends. When the Justice League is formed, Aquaman is much more playful, with a dry humor that makes him one of the most entertaining members of the team. And due to the fact that he remains primarily upbeat and outgoing, he also tends to keep things positive.
However, in a scene where the team is gathered to figure out their next steps, Aquaman is unusually honest and forthcoming with his opinions. In addition to telling the team exactly what he thinks of them, he talks frankly about his doubts that their plan will work, and that they will likely all die. However, it’s revealed that he was accidentally sitting on the Lasso of Truth. Once again, this is a great example of Momoa’s aptitude for playing comedy.
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4 Aquaman And Black Manta Take Their Fight To The Streets
Aquaman
Over the course of the first Aquaman movie, Arthur grows a lot. He learns humility from his fight with Orm, and the sacred nature of life. However, his earlier actions on the submarine come back to bite him when the man he left to die, seeks to avenge the death of his father. Now equipped with specially designed technology, Black Manta puts up a much more evenly matched fight against an Aquaman who has begun to turn away from his harsh anger.
However, even with his temper more regulated, Aquaman is no pushover. In a small Sicilian village, Aquaman and Black Manta go head-to-head. Meanwhile, Mera is kept busy fighting warriors from Atalantis sent by Orm. The battle is thrilling, and takes place on rooftops and crashing into small village homes, but seeing Black Manta powered up and ready to take on Aquaman makes this a much more compelling fight than their earlier encounter.
3 Aquaman Breaks Orm Out Of Prison
Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom
Early in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, it becomes clear that Arthur will need the knowledge and expertise of his half brother Orm. However, their bad blood from the events of the first movie is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of their problems. Orm is locked up in a special prison which has left him completely devoid of liquid to drain his powers. Arthur then needs to break in through the defenses and rescue his brother.
A prison break is always an exciting element in TV or film, but the addition of magical creatures from hidden kingdoms makes these even more impressive. All the while, Arthur must try to gain the trust of his brother and ensure he does not run away. The mission is a huge success, and the entire scene is full of brilliant comedy beats, and incredible action sequences. From a chase on the back of wild beasts with far too many legs, to Orm regaining his strength, there is a lot happening, but Momoa continues to stand out in every moment.
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2 Aquaman Rides The Leviathan Into Battle
Aquaman
Speaking of riding on wild magical looking creatures, the final battle in Aquaman sees Arthur embrace his rightful place as King of Atlantis, but to do so, he needs to overpower Orm’s forces. Fortunately, with his incredible gift, which allows him to communicate with fish and other sea creatures, Arthur manages to get help from one incredible creature that massively improves his chances of winning.
Aquaman manages to tame Karathan, a gigantic sea leviathan, to aid him in his final battle. While Orm and his forces all prepare to wage war on Aquaman, they are overwhelmed by the incredible beast. However, they put up a good fight, before Aquaman uses his ability to turn all the fish and sharks that they are riding against them. This moment is huge for Arthur as he reveals his true power, and eanrs his right to rule over Atlantis.
1 Arthur Curry Emerges In The Full Aquaman Costume
Aquaman
The first movie in the Aquaman series is largely about Arthur finding his place between two worlds. As a son of the land and the sea, he struggles to fit in to either. But, Arthur is destined for greatness, as long as he can overcome his pride. When he sets out to claim the trident of King Atlan, Arthur proves himself worthy, and he is able to claim the trident, and the suit, which sees him fully embrace his rightful place as a king of the sea.
When he claims the trident and the suit of the former king, Aquaman becomes who he was always meant to be. Not to mention, Momoa looks great in the suit, and manages to turn something that could have easily looked garish and silly into something that is cool and powerful. Of all the scenes that show Momoa is the perfect Aquaman, this is potentially the one that packs the biggest emotional and visual punch.
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