Warner Bros. is in early talks with “The Get Down” star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to play Black Manta in its upcoming DC Comics film “Aquaman,” TheWrap has learned.
James Wan is directing the movie, which features Jason Momoa in the title role. Momoa first appeared as Aquaman in Warner Bros.’ “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice,” and reprises the role in this year’s “Justice League.”
Aquaman also features Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson and Willem Dafoe, who plays Aquaman’s adviser, Dr. Vulko. Momoa and Heard, who plays his love interest, will appear in November’s “Justice League” alongside Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill in November of next year. Warner Bros.’ DC imprint is also releasing “Wonder Woman,” starring Gadot, in May.
“Gangster Squad” screenwriter Will Beal is writing the screenplay for “Aquaman” based off a treatment by Geoff Johns and Wan. Geoff Johns, Jon Berg, Zack Snyder and Deborah Snyder are producing the film.
Abdul-Mateen was a finalist to play young Lando Calrissian in the Han Solo “Star Wars” spinoff, a role that eventually went to “Atlanta” star Donald Glover. His next role is in Paramount’s “Baywatch” along with Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach and Priyanka Chopra.
“Aquaman” is set to hit theaters on Oct. 5, 2018.