Like a tidal wave rolling off the great Atlantic Ocean, the casting news for James Wan’s Aquaman continues to pour in. Moments after we brought you word that The Get Down star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was in contention to land the villainous part of Black Manta, THR is now reporting that the Oscar-nominated Nicole Kidman has also opened talks to board Wan’s 2018 solo movie.
Should a deal place, she’ll play Atlanna, the mother of Jason Momoa’s King of the Seven. Negotiations are ongoing, but given that Wan and his creative team are eyeing a production start in April, we fully expect Warner Bros. and Kidman to reach a decision in the coming weeks, for better or worse. One way or another, Aquaman already boasts an enviable cast list comprised of Momoa as the titular Atlantean, Amber Heard as long-time love interest and Queen, Mera, while Willem Dafoe and Patrick Wilson are on board as Vulko and Orm the Oceanmaster, respectively. The latter proves to be a key adversary in Aquaman‘s origin story, a spiteful half-brother who threatens to usurp Momoa’s control over Atlantis.
As for Nicole Kidman, this potential casting coup would herald the actress’ second foray into the DC vault, given she starred opposite Val Kilmer in 1995’s Batman Forever. Back then, she played the part of Dr. Chase Meridian. Outside the realm of gods and costumed crusaders, the Aussie actress is currently in the mix for this year’s Oscars ceremony, after receiving a nomination for her turn in Garth Davis’ feature film debut, Lion.
Aquaman is expected to leap before the cameras this April ahead of an expected release in October of next year. Tell us, what do you make of the film’s casting process thus far? Sound off below and let us know!