Widely considered to be one of Asia’s fastest-rising talents, Power Rangers and one-time Marco Polo star Ludi Lin has closed a deal to join Aquaman, Warner Bros. and James Wan’s long-anticipated solo movie that’s set to shed light on Arthur Curry’s origin story late next year.
Deadline has the scoop, confirming that Lin has signed on to play the part of Murk, the “leader of the front-line army of Atlantis known as the Men-of-War and Aquaman’s trusted ally.” It’s a big milestone for the Chinese star, and another example of Hollywood’s ever-expanding superhero scene offering a leg up to a young up-and-comer. Besides, thanks to his lead role in March’s Power Rangers reboot – Lin took point as the Black Ranger for Lionsgate’s lavish reimagining – the actor already has a fair amount of experience to call upon when it comes to working in a film dominated by CGI.
Rounding out the star-studded casting docket for Aquaman are Amber Heard (Mera), Patrick Wilson (Orm), Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Dolph Lundgren (King Nereus), Yahya Abdul-Mateen (Black Manta), and Temuera Morrison. The cameras are already rolling on Australia’s famous Gold Coast, so expect further announcements and set photos to surface over the coming weeks and months.
Initially slated for October, Aquaman will now be with us on December 21st, 2018. It’s currently the only DC tentpole penciled in for next year, given that The Flash has all but vanished from Warner’s slate amid creative turbulence. Barry Allen’s solo outing is still alive and kicking, of course, but after losing both Seth Grahame-Smith and Dope helmer Rick Famuyiwa, the Scarlett Speedster has quietly retreated to the shadows. Perhaps the standalone pic will receive a new lease of life in the aftermath of Justice League? We’ll find out on November 17th of this year.
