Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is currently gaining widespread attention for his Marvel debut as Wonder Man, highlighting his steady rise through notable roles in various genres. Known for his ability to move effortlessly between franchises, Abdul-Mateen II’s movies have demonstrated consistent box office success, showcasing his range from superhero films to musical dramas. Below is a detailed look at his five highest-grossing films that have cemented his reputation in Hollywood.
Aquaman (2018): Yahya’s Entry into the Superhero World
Directed by James Wan, this 2018 DC Extended Universe film marked Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s breakthrough role as David Kane, also known as Black Manta. Portraying one of the franchise’s most memorable villains, he infused the character with emotional depth, turning Black Manta into a tragic and revenge-driven figure. The movie became a global sensation, earning an impressive $1.15 billion worldwide. Fans can watch Aquaman on Prime Video, and its IMDb rating stands at 6.8/10.
The Greatest Showman (2017): A Touch of Musical Drama
In the acclaimed musical drama directed by Michael Gracey, Abdul-Mateen II played W.D. Wheeler, a former slave who becomes an entrepreneur. His role added significant emotional weight and social commentary to the storyline. The film achieved a long theatrical run and global popularity, grossing a total of $471.2 million. Its IMDb score is approximately 7.5/10, and it is available for streaming on Disney+ and JioHotstar.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023): Returning as a Darker Black Manta
The sequel to the 2018 Aquaman brought Yahya Abdul-Mateen II back as Black Manta, portraying a darker, more vengeful version of his character. Directed again by James Wan, this installment focused on Black Manta’s obsession with power and revenge, making him a central figure in the story. While critical reception was mixed, the film successfully earned $440.2 million globally, reaffirming Abdul-Mateen II’s role in big-budget superhero productions. This sequel is also available on Prime Video, holding an IMDb rating of 5.6/10.
Us (2019): Complex Dual Roles in Psychological Horror
Directed by Jordan Peele, the 2019 psychological horror film featured Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in a dual role as Russel Wilson and his sinister doppelganger. His portrayal balanced humor, vulnerability, and menace, garnering praise from critics for its complexity. The film stands out as a significant box office success for an original horror movie, earning $256 million worldwide. Audiences can stream Us on Prime Video, with an IMDb rating near 6.8/10.
Baywatch (2017): Early Career Role in Action-Comedy
One of Abdul-Mateen II’s early film appearances came in this action-comedy adaptation directed by Seth Gordon, based on the popular 1990s TV series. He played Sgt. Garner Ellerbee alongside leads Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. Although reviews were mixed, Baywatch attracted substantial audiences and made $177.8 million globally. The film holds an IMDb rating of 5.5/10 and is available on Prime Video. This movie helped solidify his foothold in mainstream Hollywood projects.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Continual Rise in Film
Having proven his range and box office appeal through franchises like Aquaman and psychological thrillers like Us, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is poised to expand his global recognition with his latest role as Wonder Man in the Marvel universe. This new chapter promises to enhance his profile as a leading figure in superhero cinema, cementing his place among Hollywood’s most versatile and commercially successful actors.
