According to The Hollywood Reporter, James Wan’s Aquaman has found its Black Manta today in the form of The Get Down star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The actor is in early talks to take on the villainous role, one which will see him on screen alongside an already impressive cast that includes Jason Momoa as the titular hero, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe and Patrick Wilson.
While not a household name just yet, Abdul-Mateen is seeing his star rise very quickly thanks to his work on the aforementioned Netflix show. Not only was he a finalist for the role of Lando Calrissian in the Han Solo spinoff, but he’ll also be appearing in the Baywatch reboot and The Greatest Showman, alongside Hugh Jackman, to name but a few of his upcoming projects.
First debuting in 1967, Black Manta is one of Aquaman’s more well known villains and has enhanced strength and endurance. His armor also allows him to throw heavy objects like cars and breathe underwater, and is bulletproof and completely resistant to the cold. Furthermore, he’s also said to be highly intelligent and a brilliant tactician, making him a more than worthy opponent for the King of the Seven Seas to square off against.
No word yet on if Black Manta will be the primary villain here, as Wilson’s Ocean Master will also be causing trouble for the hero, but either way, we’re excited to see the character on the big screen and Abdul-Mateen sounds like a solid choice to bring him to life.
Aquaman will head in front of cameras this April in Australia before swimming into theaters on October 5th, 2018. With casting now starting to heat up, we should be getting a few more names soon. Until we do, however, be sure to let us know what you think of the talent involved so far by dropping a comment down below!
