Last week I read an article online where actor Leonardo DiCaprio gave $10 million for ocean conservation. In that same week the Internet was buzzing how Jason Momoa was officially cast as Aquaman in the DC cinematic universe; although still not confirmed by Momoa, Warner Bros, or director Zach Snyder. I think Momoa has the attitude to play the King of the Seven Seas, but he doesn't quite have the look, and the possible depth. But you know who does; Leonardo DiCaprio.
Unfortunately any Aquaman movie will be compared to the parody film starring Vincent Chase from HBO's Entourage. But I think if Leo brought the commitment and performance he has when working with Martin Scorsese I think he could rock this franchise. Especially with a great supporting cast.
Leonardo DiCaprio as Arthur Curry/Orin/Aquaman
DiCaprio has been proving himself as a great actor as far back as What's Eating Gilbert Grape. He also has given some great performances in films like The Aviator, The Departed, and the Wolf of Wall Street. He has the look and the scowl that goes with the character. I feel like DiCaprio could really make this film great and help make the public think of Aquaman as the bad ass ocean hero he is instead of the butt of every DC punchline.
Karen Gillan as Mera
If you're going to have Leonardo DiCaprio play Aquaman then you have to have a strong female lead to play opposite him. Mera becomes the queen of Atlantis and possesses aquakinesis that helps her control water and bend it to her will. She also is just as tough as Aquaman, and was originally sent to kill him, before she fell in love with him.
This was probably the hardest part to cast. I considered former co-stars of Leo's like Vera Farmiga and Kate Winslet, but I wanted an actress who is tall-ish so she'd command a presence. But she also has to have the good range of emotion Mera would have to bring; from kick-ass to compassionate. And I wanted a redhead. Gillian is most famous for her role as Amy Pond in Doctor Who. This summer we'll see her play the deadly Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy. This role proves to me that Gillan has the physicality and commitment to play Mera. Especially after she shaved her head just to be in GotG.
Idris Elba as David/Black Manta
As Aquaman's most famous villain you need an actor with a high level of skill. Elba has been phenomenal in films like Thor, Pacific Rim, and the television show Luthor. He has a distinct quality I think would really bring this character to life.
Black Manta and Aquaman have been bitter rivals ever since Black Manta killed Aquaman's father, though Manta also blames Aquaman for his own father's death. That kind of hatred can run deep, and come across great with the right pair; such as DiCaprio and Elba.
Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Orm/Ocean Master
No rivalry is more heated than that of two brothers fighting over the throne of a kingdom. Orm is the younger brother of Aquaman who rules when the king passes, that is until Arthur returns to Atlantis and Orm steps down to let Arthur rule. However, when Orm sees that his brother shows too much compassion for the surface world he conspires against him.
Meyers has had some great roles in television shows like The Tudors and Dracula. He has also had quite the film career in movies like Mission Impossible: III and Match Point. He walks the line of good guy/criminally insane. I think Meyers would play well off of Dicaprio. I say it would even rival the Hemsworth/Hiddleston chemistry.
Corbin Bleu as Jackson Hyde/Kaldur'ahm/Aqualad
This character was originally created for the short-lived television series Young Justice, but was so unique Geoff Johns brought him to DC Comics in Brightest Day. Jackson has spend his whole life on the surface world never knowing his true origins. Black Manta comes looking for him one day revealing he is from the underwater world Xebel, he can manipulate water like Mera, and that Manta is his real father! Kaldur has even more of a methodical origin, but this is just to tip of the iceberg. While I respect and like the first Aqualad, Garth, I think Kaldur would be a little more interesting for the big screen.
When I did my Young Justice casting call I said Bleau should play Aqualad and I'm sticking by it. Most famous for his role in Disney's High School Musical franchise, Bleu has went on to do many guest spots and even had a recurring role on One Life To Live. This would be the role Bleu has been waiting for. It's something he can really sink his teeth into and show the range I believe he has.
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