“Aquaman” Villain’s Motivations Explained

We are starting to learn more about the upcoming DC Extended Universe film Aquaman, including new word about what the villain’s sympathetic motivations will be in the film.

As in the comics, Arthur Curry/Aquaman (played by Jason Momoa) is the half-human son of an Atlantean queen. After being raised by his human father, the adult Aquaman will now have to go to his submarine homeland to challenge his half-brother, Prince Orm (Patrick Wilson) for the throne in order to prevent a war between Atlantis and the surface world.

Wilson sat down with Entertainment Weekly to talk about Orm and his motivations for wanting to attack humanity.

“He’s kind of an eco-warrior,” he said, explaining that Orm is annoyed at humans for the centuries that they have been polluting the oceans around Atlantis. “And that’s something for me—I’m sure for you too—that’s very easy to understand. If somebody was just constantly polluting our air and ruining how we lived…”

This is a concept that has been used in various versions of the Aquaman story; sometimes it is the hero himself, as Atlantis’ king, who is griping about the humans’ activities. However, this particular story most closely resembles the New 52 origin of the character, which has also been adapted into the animated film Justice League: Throne of Atlantis.

James Wan, director of the film, also talked about Orm and said that he will not be a typical villain.

“A lot of the clashes they have stem from their different upbringings,” he said, and added that Orm would actually prefer if he and his brother could rule the kingdom together—except, of course, that that would require Aquaman getting on board with that whole “wage war on the surface” plan.

He added that because of this, he did not want a typical villain actor, and praised Wilson’s ability to take on the role.

The film will also include a secondary antagonist in the form of supervillain Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. How he fits into this tragic family feud remains to be seen.

Aquaman comes out December 21. So far the movie seems to be on track and is getting good buzz; fans and Warner Bros. are hoping that, like Wonder Woman, it will be another semi-surprise hit for the struggling DCEU.