The Wrap is reporting that one of the villains of James Wan‘s Aquaman will be his comic book antagonist Black Manta.
Aquaman stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, and it’s expected that Amber Heard will reprise the role of Mera in the film. Willem Dafoe could also be apart of the movie, but nothing has been confirmed.
However, we’ve heard rumblings that both Curry’s half-brother and villainous rival Ocean Master will play a large role in the film previously, so it’s up to debate if Manta will be the main baddie. It had been rumored that Star Trek and Dredd actor Karl Urban was being eyed for the Ocean Master part, but has since joined Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok as Skurge instead.
Traditionally, Black Manta has been portrayed as a black character, so it’s a prime role for a black actor. It’ll be a bit upsetting if Warner Bros. decides to hire a white actor in the role, it was reported that the studio have been considering hiring an Asian or black actress for Mera in Justice League, instead hiring Amber Heard.
Aquaman is set for release on July 27th, 2018.
SOURCE: THE WRAP