The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) may have officially closed its curtains according to James Gunn, but fans are gearing up for what appears to be its last act: "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom". This sequel promises continuity from its predecessor, but not without its fair share of controversies and changes. Here's a deep dive into what we know about this much-awaited film.

Release Date Saga

Set to hit US theaters on 20 December 2023, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" has an unusual staggered release, premiering in the UK on 29 December 2023. The film initially had a December 16, 2022, launch date. However, with an intent to perfect the visual effects, it got rescheduled to 17 March 2023. The unfolding of the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard court case necessitated reshoots, further delaying its release to the final 20 December 2023 date.

Star-studded Cast

A teaser uploaded by DC Studios on 11 September 2023 offered insights into the ensemble cast of "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom". Reprising their roles are Jason Momoa as the titular Aquaman; Patrick Wilson as Orm, his antagonist-turned-ally; Amber Heard as Mera, albeit with a drastically reduced screen presence of just 8 minutes; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the vengeful Black Manta; Nicole Kidman as the warrior-hearted Atlanna. Furthermore, Dolph Lundgren and Randall Park are returning as King Nereus and Dr. Stephen Shin respectively. Despite the controversies, the core cast remains consistent with the original film.

Trailers Paint an Exciting Picture

Released on 14 September 2023, the first official trailer of "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" captures attention with its breathtaking visual effects, stellar cinematography, and intriguing color grading. Black Manta’s menacing return, brandishing a dark trident, hints at explosive confrontations ahead. It appears that the movie has all the makings of a blockbuster.

Watch the trailer here:

Conclusion

As the last hurrah of the DCEU, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" certainly has high expectations to meet. With a controversial backstory, a committed cast, and promising teasers, the film beckons DC aficionados and movie enthusiasts alike. How it fares and whether it lives up to the hype is a story reserved for its December 2023 release.