The highly-anticipated trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has sent ripples of excitement through the DC fanbase. Reprising their iconic roles, the trailer showcased the return of Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Amber Heard as Mera, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, and Patrick Wilson as Orm. The beloved drumming octopus, Topo, even made a charming cameo.
However, one significant absence in the trailer left fans puzzled – the absence of Willem Dafoe’s character, Nuidis Vulko. In the first Aquaman film, Vulko played a vital role as Arthur Curry’s mentor and instructor, teaching him the ways of Atlantis and guiding him toward his destiny as the hero of the underwater kingdom.
Director James Wan, who helmed both the 2018 Aquaman and its upcoming sequel, confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that Willem Dafoe will not be making an appearance in *Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.* Wan cited scheduling conflicts as the primary reason for Dafoe’s absence, although this setback did offer some intriguing opportunities for the film’s storyline.
“Willem is not in this one, no,” Wan stated. “Part of the reason was because his schedule did not work out for us. But what that allowed me to do was expand on Atlanna’s role. Atlanna in this one ultimately becomes Arthur’s advisor. Because Arthur’s not from this world, she helps him better understand the world and the politics of how things work.”
This revelation hints at Atlanna, played by Nicole Kidman, stepping into a more prominent role as Arthur Curry’s guide and mentor. It suggests that her character will provide valuable insights into the complex political landscape of Atlantis as Arthur grapples with the responsibilities of his newfound kingship.
For those unfamiliar with the ending of the first Aquaman installment, Arthur emerged victorious, defeating his half-brother Orm and claiming the throne as the King of Atlantis. Patrick Wilson’s character, Orm, was subsequently imprisoned. In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the two estranged siblings will be forced into an uneasy alliance as they confront the formidable Black Manta, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. Black Manta, now armed with the Black Trident, poses a grave threat, as it grants him the power to command a malevolent ancient force.
The absence of Nuidis Vulko may leave some fans disappointed, as Willem Dafoe’s portrayal added depth and gravitas to the first film. Nevertheless, the expansion of Atlanna’s role and the dynamic between Arthur and Orm promise to bring fresh intrigue and conflict to the sequel.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to make a splash in theaters worldwide on December 20, promising a thrilling aquatic adventure and the return of familiar faces, even as it bids farewell to one of its major characters. DC fans can hardly contain their excitement as they eagerly await the next chapter in Arthur Curry’s underwater saga.
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