'Aquaman' Movie Release Date, Spoilers and Rumors: Main Villain Confirmed; Who Is Black Manta?
Fans have set their eyes on 2018, with Jason Momoa taking on the Aquaman suit to join the growing list of DC superheroes. We've already seen him in "Batman vs Superman," and can expect him in next year's "Justice League." But as we eagerly await the superhero's standalone film so far ahead, it seems that director James Wan has already picked the biggest, baddest foe from the superhero's rogue gallery.
Reports from TheWrap revealed that the King of the Seven Seas will be squaring off with his archnemesis, the Black Manta--to which Warner Bros. declined to comment.
Reason for picking rival
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It makes sense, however, to pit our sea hero to this dangerous opponent--Black Manta is to Aquaman the way Lex Luthor is to Superman. He is also one of the more famous African-American villains in the DC Universe, which would likely attract many Hollywood A-Listers.
So far, no casting choices have been confirmed for our new villain, although Michael K. Williams (Omar Little from HBO's "The Wire") is reportedly interested in the role, having retweeted a fan wishing he would take the role.
Who is Black Manta?
Our latest superrival has a very vague and convoluted backstory, but one that particularly stands out is his feud with Aquaman during his youth.
Debuting in Aquaman # 35 in 1967, the Black Manta has a very tragic history, having been abducted as a boy in Chesapeake Bay and forced into a ship. His experience on the sea made him resent everything that it stood for, including the Atlantean hero. In the latest reboot, Manta's father was killed by Aquaman by mistake, thinking that he committed a murder that Manta was ultimately responsible for.
For some time, Manta also spent time int he Belle Reve prison, and was briefly considered by Amanda Waller for the Suicide Squad--a convenient backstory which would allow him to crossover in the DC Extended Universe.
What to expect?
Should he indeed make his silverscreen appearance, fans can expect a formidable foe from the Manta. While without superpowers, he is widely considered as a genius, a skilled fighter and swimmer, and can also breathe underwater much like his rival due to his artificial gills. He is powered with a lethal armor, which includes helmet optic blasts.
We'll have to wait for James Wan's final word, however. In the meantime, we can expect our Merman to make a splash on the theaters on July 27, 2018. Much nearer, however, is his Justice League appearance next year.
