Warner Bros. Pictures has officially announced that the "Aquaman" movie has now been given an official release date. The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film is now scheduled to release on Oct. 5, 2018, in a slot in which it will not have any direct competition from other superhero or comic book movies.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film will be available in both 3D and IMAX theatres. This will be the fifth DC superhero in the DCEU to get a standalone film. It will star Jason Mamoa as the titular hero, Arthur Curry aka Aquaman, and Amber Head as Mera. William Dafoe will also star in the film as Nuidis Vulko.
It is also noted that Warner Bros. has held onto the date for some time and it was widely speculated to be for "Aquaman" or the untitled "Man of Steel" sequel.
The film is being directed by James Wan, based on a script by Will Beall and story treatment from Wan and Geoff Johns. The film will involve Mera and Aquaman as they battle the Black Manta, a rival of Aquaman from the original DC comic books.
Mamoa previously appeared as Aquaman but only in a short cameo in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." During the short scene several divers had been filming underwater when they encountered Aquaman inside a sunken ship.
He will appear next in 2017's "Justice League" movie. The film will focus on Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) as they attempt to gather other superheroes in preparation for an alien invasion, which was teased in "Batman v Superman."
At the time of writing the movie has no direct competition releasing against it but this could change, Polygon reported. Disney and Marvel Studios may still announce a movie to release in October 2018, particularly if "Avengers: Infinity War" or "Ant-Man and the Wasp" are shuffled around.
Director James Wan is primarily known for his work on the "Saw" and "Insidious" horror films as well as helming "Fast and Furious 7." Lead actor Jason Mamoa started on "Baywatch" before entering the spotlight for playing Khal Drogo in HBO's "Game of Thrones" and Conan in the 2011 "Conan the Barbarian" reboot.