‘Aquaman 2‘ is one of the highly anticipated sequels of the DC franchise which was announced by the studio followed by the success of ‘Aquaman (2018).’ The makers gave us a peek at the extension of the undersea world of Aquaman at the DC FanDome 2021. The sequel is titled ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom‘.

The first part’s director James Wan has also directed the sequel with a screenplay written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry / Aquaman alongside Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Orm Marius, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta.

The sequel would expand on the worldbuilding of the first Aquaman. The glimpse into the world they are building for The Lost Kingdom begins with Jason Momoa’s first-day shooting clips. Jason apologises to the fans for the four-year-long wait for the film. Then, we see James Wan telling us that the world in Aquaman is so huge and rich.

James Wan also describes the film as, “a movie that’s more mature, yet still retains its fun.” Black Manta is the main antagonist of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The director adds, “Black Manta is still seeking his vengeance to try to kill Aquaman. That’s going to be exciting for the audience. It’s a globetrotting story. We visit so many different worlds. This movie isn’t afraid to embrace its fantasy.”

The video also shows Yahya Abdul Mateen II undergoing some weapons training for the Black Manta role, the actor wielding props that appear to be stand-ins for swords or sticks. On the set, Jason Momoa is seen in water tanks. The making video featured plenty of BTS shots without VFX and displayed multiple concept arts developed for the movie.

The Lost Kingdom will not only bring back Black Manta, but also the first film’s primary villain, Arthur’s half-brother Orm aka Ocean Master. Orm was taken into Atlantean custody at the end of Aquaman. He is back with Arthur to stop Black Manta. Mera can also be briefly seen in the look into the making of The Lost Kingdom, with Amber Heard’s hair pinned up.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom looks to be expanding the scope of the first movie even more with more such settings like tropical settings, underwater caves, and icebergs. The sequel is being produced by Wan and Peter Safran. The producers confirmed that the undersea world will be more colourful this time. The movie is slated to hit the screens on December 16, 2022.