With Warner Bros. getting hit on all sides this year following “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice” and “Suicide Squad,” they are nonetheless pressing ahead, with “Wonder Woman” and “Justice League” both due next year. And beyond that will be what is arguably their most challenging movie, “Aquaman.” It’s a character that doesn’t seem like the easiest to translate to the big screen (he looked kinda goofy, both in ‘Dawn Of Justice’ and in that “Justice League” trailer), and frankly, could be pretty corny if it’s not pulled off right, but it looks like the filmmakers aren’t going to mess with what has been successful in the comics.
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The Wrap reports that in the upcoming “Aquaman,” the aquatic superhero will face off against Black Manta. The character has had a few origin stories over the years, and it’s not clear which one director James Wan and co. will roll with, but the antagonism between the two is built on classic stuff. Here’s the most recent summary of the character from DC Comics:
A ruthless treasure hunter and mercenary, the man known as Black Manta spent his days scavenging the unexplored depths of the ocean, discovering long lost relics and powerful mythical items, all while taking on various jobs to fund his passion. Until one particular job changed his life.
Hired to bring back a sample of Arthur Curry’s blood, Black Manta encountered the young Aquaman and his father while the two were out at sea. In the ensuing struggle, Aquaman’s father suffered a heart attack that ultimately led to his death. Seeking revenge, Aquaman hunted down Black Manta—and accidentally killed his father in retaliation. Thus began a circle of vengeance that forever bonded hero and villain.
Fueled by hate and utilizing a powerful suit of armor that allows him to breathe underwater, survive the incredible pressures of the ocean depths and fire deadly energy blasts through his mask, Black Manta seeks to destroy Aquaman and everything he holds dear.
It’ll be interesting to see which direction they take the hero and villain in the super-gritty world DC Films has concocted. “Aquaman” opens on July 27, 2018.
