Jason Momoa Pretty Much Says Aquaman Movies Are Canceled
Jason Momoa is responsible for bringing arguably the greatest live-action Aquaman to the big screen in cinema history. Whether you’re a fan of the James Wan-helmed Aquaman films or not, Momoa carved out a lane that revitalized the iconic comic book character’s look and demeanor, resulting in a wholly reconfigured king of Atlantis. Unfortunately, it looks like the days of Aquaman’s prominence may soon be behind us, according to recent comments made by Momoa as documented in The Hollywood Reporter.
Jason Momoa Is Convinced Aquaman 2 Will Be His Last Time Portraying The Hero
While discussing his concerns for the future, Jason Momoa noted that there likely isn’t space for his Aquaman in the upcoming James Gunn takeover of the DCU. Specifically, Momoa noted that the upcoming film Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may very well be his last time portraying the iconic aquatic character.
The film, which premieres in theaters on December 22, serves as the final gasps of the Zack Snyder-verse, which previously helmed the DC cinematic universe, concluding the days of Henry Cavill’s Superman and Ben Affleck’s Batman.
James Gunn’s DC Overhaul
Unfortunately, the Snyder-verse looks to be going out with a whimper and not with a bang, as diminishing box office returns and poor critical response to many previous DC outings have caused a major shakeup for the studio at a creative level.
When it was first announced that James Gunn would be stepping in to helm the future of Warner Brothers’ flagship heroes, most fans were elated, as Gunn’s previous record indicates a general love for and understanding of comic book stories and characters. Of course, losing Jason Momoa’s Aquaman in this transition would surely serve as a massive downside.
Jason Momoa Hasn’t Been Asked To Return
Jason Momoa has expressed interest in continuing to play the character if that option is laid out for him, though the Aquaman actor claims the decision isn’t his to make. While discussing James Gunn’s takeover of the DCU, Momoa stated he hasn’t been asked to return or sign on for any upcoming projects, while expressing an understanding that Gunn likely wants to differentiate his films from the Zack Snyder films that came before them. Of course, as Momoa notes, there is a possibility to bring his Aquaman back if there is enough fan support.
Aquaman In Elseworlds?
A possible continuation of Jason Momoa’s Aquaman career could unfold with the new DC ownership in one of two ways. One of the most intriguing and exciting things about James Gunn’s creative decision-making is the installment of the DC Elseworlds banner, which houses non-canon films such as Todd Phillips’ Joker and Matt Reeves’ The Batman. If Jason Momoa sees an overwhelming amount of fan support, it isn’t unfathomable that Gunn would green-light future Aquaman installments under the Elseworlds umbrella.
Aquaman In The Multiverse
Furthermore, the existence of the multiverse within the DCU could allow James Momoa to return as Aquaman, even if it means showing up only in brief cameo appearances. The multiverse has already been used to bring back iconic comic book actors and fulfill fan casting through Marvel, in instances such as JK Simmons’ J. Jonah Jameson and Patrick Stewart’s Professor X appearing in the MCU. If James Gunn asks Momoa to come aboard, he will almost certainly agree, as he stated to the press “If there’s a place in their world for me, I would love to be a part of it.”
