Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom release date, cast, villain and more

Jason Momoa as Aquaman
(Image credit: Warner Bros.a)

Aquaman 2 recently wrapped filming, which means we're getting closer to seeing Jason Momoa as the sea-conquering superhero. The movie has an official title — it's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom — as well as a release date. We're still waiting on a trailer, but we're hoping for at least a brief teaser attached to The Batman

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom picks up where the first movie left off, when Curry finally embraced his role as the King of Atlantis. Aquaman already has a target on his back, put there by David Kane (aka Black Manta), who was rescued at the end of the first movie. Kane's headed to Atlantis and bringing marine scientist Steven Shin (played by Randall Park) with him.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom release date

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is currently scheduled for release in December 16, 2022

This date seems far out enough to be solid. Other movies have experienced delayed release dates due to the ongoing pandemic.

Aquaman 2 wrapped filming in mid-January, despite some production slowdowns related to COVID-19. Star Jason Momoa had to sit out for a short period of time after testing positive in October. But it appears that the movie bounced back from that obstacle, since director James Wan shared an Instagram where he celebrates the end of filming with Momoa and Patrick Wilson.

Aquaman 2 cast

The confirmed cast for Aquaman 2 still seems a bit short, but most of the key players are returning. That starts with Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as King Orm, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane/Black Manta. More on him below.

Also returning are Temuera Morrison as Arthur's father Thomas and Nicole Kidman as Arthur's mother Atlanna.

Fans can also expect to see some new faces. Momoa's fellow Game of Thrones alum Pilou Asbaek (who was Euron Greyjoy in the HBO series) was reportedly added to Aquaman 2. His role has not been announced as of yet. 

Randall Park is on board as Dr. Stephen Shin, a marine biologist obsessed with finding Atlantis, while Vincent Regan is playing Atlan, the first king of Atlantis. Jani Zhao has also joined the cast as Stingray.

Aquaman 2 behind the scenes video

We're living through the joy in Jason Momoa's face in this clip that was delivered to DC Fandome. We saw all the familiar faces we expected in this reel.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom villains

We know two names to expect to make life tough for Arthur Curry and the rest of the Aquaman 2 heroes, and they're both familiar faces. Patrick Wilson is back as Orm the Ocean Master and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II will also return as Black Manta. 

Orm won't be the big bad, as Wilson described at an event at an independent bookstore (via Inverse) that "He's not gonna be a main villain in another movie." This leaves Black Manta as the likely Aquaman 2 villain — which makes sense given Aquaman's post-credits scene that revealed that Black Manta isn't just alive, but very angry with Aquaman.

Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.