Dolph Lundgren is teaming up with Jason Momoa in Warner Bros’ DC Comics tentpole “Aquaman,” TheWrap has learned.
The “Expendables” star will play King Nereus of the aquatic kingdom of Xebel, who desires Aquaman’s love interest Mera and wants to kill the title character. James Wan is directing the film, which is set to hit theaters Christmas 2018. “Aquaman” is expected to start shooting in May in Australia.
The movie’s cast includes Amber Heard as Mera, Nicole Kidman as the mother of Aquaman, the king of Atlantis, and Patrick Wilson as Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and one of the movie’s villains. The DC film also stars “The Get Down’s” Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who plays villain Black Manta, Willem Dafoe as Aquaman adviser Dr. Vulko and Temuera Morrison as the hero’s father.
Lundgren, a black belt in Kyokushin karate who holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering, shot to prominence playing Ivan Drago in 1985’s “Rocky IV.” He most recently appeared on the big screen in last year’s “Hail, Caesar!” as a submarine commander. Lundgren also stars as Gunner Jensen in “The Expendables” franchise, which marked his comeback to Hollywood after years of appearing in direct-to-video films. “Expendables 4” is scheduled for a 2018 release.
Lundgren is represented by Gersh, manager Craig Baumgarten, and Bloom Hergott.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.