'Aquaman' Casting News: 'To Get Down' Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Cast As Villain Black Manta

It seems the Aquaman solo movie is slowly but surely building up a strong roster of actors to give life to DC's classic superhero story. Fresh reports indicate that To Get Down actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been cast as villain Black Manta.

According to the DC site, the character is best known as one of Aquaman's arch nemesis dating back to the time before Aquaman became an adult. Black Manta was a treasure hunter who, in the quest to get the blood of the Atlantean prince caused the death of his father. As Aquaman tried to exact vengeance on the man who wronged him, his efforts cause him to kill Manta's father as well, causing the pair to engage in a neverending battle to avenge their losses.

Abdul Mateen, according to Variety has been confirmed for the role and will serve as the main villain for the film. Patrick Wilson has also been cast as another villain, Orm. Orm is also known as Ocean Master is Aquaman's half human, half Atlantean brother who has the ability to wreak havoc both on land and underwater. His rivalry with Aquaman stems from his own ambition to take the throne of Atlantis for himself.

Also included in the cast is Conan actor Jason Momoa who will play the titular role, Amber Heard as his love interest Mera and Willem Dafoe as royal science advisor, Nuidis Vulko. Nicole Kidman is being rumored as the top choice to play Atlanna, Aquaman's mother and queen of Atlantis.

Insidious and The Conjuring director James Wan is set to helm the film, which marks a repeat collaboration between the director and Patrick Wilson. Peter Safran will take on producing while Deborah Snyder, Man of Steel director Zack Snyder, and Rob Cowan will take on executive producing duties.Aquaman is listed to release on October 5, 2018