Some superhero movies require more setup than others. While a Batman movie needs to introduce the hero, his butler, various characters from Gotham, the villain, and possibly a sidekick, Aquaman goes even further. It delves into the politics, history, and conflicts of seven kingdoms, making it comparable to a Game of Thrones series set in Atlantis and its six sibling kingdoms. In the film, a character named King Nereus appears and will also make an appearance in the sequel, although the portrayal of the character in the DCEU differs slightly.
The Aquaman franchise is considered the remaining element of Zack Snyder's DCEU. Arthur Curry, played by Jason Momoa, was first introduced in a flash drive trailer montage in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. He later appeared in both versions of Justice League and starred in two solo films directed by James Wan. This iteration of Aquaman is connected to Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavil, and Batman, portrayed by Ben Affleck, leaving his future uncertain. Although Momoa might return to play the character Lobo, it is unclear what will happen to Atlantis after this year.
Who is Nereus in Aquaman?
Nereus, the ruler of Xebel in Aquaman, is a complex character who defies easy categorization as either good or evil. Although he plays a supporting role, he has several important scenes throughout the story. While Nereus is Mera's father, his primary function is to provide a sense of urgency and opposition for Aquaman to contend with. As a powerful king, Nereus harbors a consistent disdain for the inhabitants of the surface world.
Orm Marius, Arthur's half-brother and the main antagonist, seeks military support to wage war against the surface world. In order to achieve his goal, he must gather four undersea kings to join his cause. Initially, Nereus is reluctant to provide aid due to his distrust of Orm's lust for power. However, when a Russian submarine attacks a council meeting, Orm saves Nereus and convinces him to change his stance, leading Nereus to offer his support. This decision relegates Nereus to the role of a secondary antagonist, standing behind Orm.
Mera attempts to dissuade Nereus from supporting Orm, her arranged fiancé. Nereus's unwavering love for his daughter is his defining trait. When Mera betrays Orm to assist Arthur, their kingdom mistakenly believes that she has died. Nereus threatens to withdraw his military arrangement if any harm comes to Mera. He further aligns himself with Orm's brutal plan to seize power upon Mera's return. Nereus attacks the peaceful Fishermen Kingdom, killing its armed guards, while Orm assassinates their king. Nereus only intervenes to prevent Orm from killing the Brine King, believing that negotiation would yield more strategic advantages.
Nereus in DC Comics
During the intense battle between Nereus, Orm, and the rebellious Brine Kingdom, Aquaman, Mera, and a formidable sea monster intervene. Mera swiftly takes action against Xebel's soldiers, prompting Nereus to halt their aggression. She proceeds to inform Nereus that Aquaman possesses the ancient Trident of Atlan, solidifying his rightful claim to the throne of Atlantis. Convinced by this revelation, Nereus retreats and permits Arthur to engage in a ceremonial duel with Orm. Following Arthur's triumph, he leads his people towards reunification under the banner of his new Atlantis. Nereus, albeit susceptible and unyielding in his pursuits, exhibits devotion towards Mera. However, he embodies the narrow-mindedness and ignorance often associated with those in positions of power, as evidenced by his trust in Orm's orchestrated attack without considering alternative motives.
Nereus made his debut in Aquaman (vol. 7) #19 in 2013 as part of the New 52 reboot. He serves as the military leader of Xebel under King Ryus. Within the comic series, Xebel is confined by a mystical barrier, which diminishes the significance of Ryus' rule. Xebel is located within the Bermuda Triangle, inside Atlantis, sparking a relentless quest for revenge that spans many years. The movie adaptation somewhat alters the character dynamics. In the comics, Ryus is Mera's father, while Nereus is the man she is arranged to marry. However, as depicted in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Mera betrays both her father and fiancé to wed Aquaman. She is initially ordered to assassinate Arthur, but she abandons this mission and resides in Atlantis until long after her father's demise. Subsequently, Nereus ascends to the throne and attempts to execute Mera. In an unexpected turn of events, a villain emerges, leading Nereus to align himself against his own best interests once again. This particular portrayal of the character possesses a more sinister nature compared to the DCEU iteration; he is vindictive, power-hungry, and cruel. Nereus remains a minor figure who is unlikely to surpass his current stature anytime soon.
Nereus, portrayed in both comics and movies, aligns himself with villainous individuals in order to pursue potentially self-destructive goals. In the film, he is depicted as incompetent and easily deceived, offering a more sympathetic portrayal. Conversely, the comics present him as the man Mera left behind when she chose to marry the hero. Aquaman possesses the unique combination of being a superhero and the ruler of a sovereign nation, a rarity in the realm of superpowers. His adversaries typically consist of ruthless individuals who seek to claim the throne and utilize his power for their own sinister intentions. Nereus exemplifies the passive malevolence that can be harbored by a monarch without the actual title.
