Aquaman is one of the most anticipated films from the Warner Brothers DCCU (DC Comics Universe), edging out Wonder Woman just barely.  Already ahead of the game with casting Jason Momoa (Conan reboot, Game of Thrones) as the King of Atlantis, hopes remain high this could be a really good film.

Variety just broke the news that Aquaman villain Black Manta has been cast for the movie, and Yahya Abdul-Matten II (The Get Down, upcoming Baywatch film) is our guy.  Warner Brothers still hasn’t commented on the casting, but it sure seems like a done deal.

Warner Brothers said of the Aquaman film last year:   “the title character would be caught between a surface world constantly ravaging the sea and the undersea Atlanteans, who are ready to lash out in revolt. Aquaman is based on the DC Comics character who’s the king of Atlantis, a half-human and half-Atlantean named Arthur Curry.”

The Aquaman character was first introduced in 1940’s, and has remained a much beloved part of the Justice League in DC Comics titles and beyond.  Black Manta first appeared in Aquaman #35 in 1967, and is one of the most enduring villains for Arthur Curry.

Previously announced Aquaman casting includes Amber Heard (Zombieland, Drive Angry) as Mera Aquaman’s wife, Patrick Wilson (Watchmen) as Orm, and Willem Dafoe (really pick anything) as Nuidis Vulko.  The film will be directed by James Wan (Saw, Insidious).

Aquaman is due to hit theaters on October 5th, 2018.