James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, recently shared insights on how the upcoming Aquaman in the DC Universe (DCU) will stand apart from Jason Momoa’s portrayal in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Jason Momoa, best known for redefining Aquaman’s image, transformed the character from a less serious figure into a gritty, rebellious King of Atlantis, starring alongside Amber Heard’s Mera. Now that the DCEU era has ended, Gunn’s vision hints at a shift in Aquaman’s role and status within the DCU.
Momoa’s interpretation began with a cameo in Justice League and expanded in two solo films, including DC’s highest-grossing title before the DCEU’s reboot. Having completed his role as Aquaman, Momoa is moving on to portray the bounty hunter Lobo in the upcoming Supergirl series, paving the way for a refreshed take on the underwater hero under Gunn’s guidance.
An Alternative Aquaman’s Status in the New DC Universe
During a rewatch of Peacemaker Season 1 with cast members Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee, James Gunn addressed the canon status of several jokes aimed at Aquaman, notably John Cena’s character ridiculing him by suggesting inappropriate rumors involving fish. This running gag culminates in the season finale with a late-arriving Aquaman from the DCEU, sparking the insult: “Go f*** another fish, a**hole.”
Gunn confirmed these jokes do not apply to the new DCU Aquaman, emphasizing that the character’s public image and narrative will be substantially different. He said,
“It’s unlikely that Aquaman is a famous hero in the DCU as ‘Superman’ and ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 is happening… If someone wants to do the DCU cut, you can cut out Aquaman fucking fish.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
This statement signals that Aquaman is not currently an established or well-known hero within the DCU timeline, setting him apart from the more globally recognized heroes like Superman and Peacemaker. The Justice League has yet to form in the DCU, meaning Aquaman’s presence and influence remain minimal at this stage.
Projected Timeline for Aquaman’s DCU Introduction
When asked about the potential arrival of Aquaman or The Flash in the DCU, Gunn indicated that these characters would likely not appear within the next two years. He stated,
“I wouldn’t say the next two years for either of those characters.”
—James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
The current DCU launch focuses heavily on rebooting the “Trinity” of superheroes, comprised of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. Superman’s reboot has already begun, while Wonder Woman and the planned Brave and the Bold movie are in the scripting process, aiming for release around 2028. Only after solidifying this core team will the DCU likely shift attention to Aquaman and Flash, especially as it will be several years since their last DCEU solo attempts.
What Fans Can Expect from the New Aquaman
With the original Aquaman saga featuring Jason Momoa’s rugged, rebellious take concluding, the DCU may revisit Aquaman’s classic traits. James Gunn’s approach with Superman embraced traditional comic book elements, and a similar treatment might be applied to Arthur Curry. This could involve highlighting Aquaman’s regal status as King of Atlantis and perhaps incorporating the lighter, more whimsical sides of the character’s underwater world.
As the DCU prepares to reshape its universe, Aquaman’s reboot presents an opportunity to challenge previous stereotypes and explore fresh storylines. Fans can anticipate a new iteration of the character that respects his origins while redefining his place in the wider superhero landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Jason Momoa left his wife?
A. In January 2022, Momoa and Bonet said they were no longer together. By January 2024, Bonet asked for a divorce, saying they couldn’t agree on important issues. She stated they stopped living together on October 7, 2020. The divorce was officially completed on July 9, 2024.
