Discover Martin Short's Surprise Appearance in Aquaman 2

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the final movie in the DCEU, features a star-studded cast including Jason Momoa and a surprise cameo by Martin Short. This film marks the last appearance of Momoa's Arthur Curry on the big screen before the upcoming DCU reboot. The new reboot, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, will introduce new actors for some characters while retaining others. Filming for the reboot started on February 29, 2025, with the release of Superman. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom aimed to leave a lasting impression, and Martin Short had a part to play in achieving that goal.

Martin Short, a renowned actor and comedian, is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, Three Amigos, and Only Murders in the Building, among others. Often linked with his comedic partner, Steve Martin, Short has a diverse career that includes stand-up comedy tours and voice acting in movies. While he has not appeared in many recent critically acclaimed films, his filmography leans towards light-hearted comedies and animated movies. This comedic touch was evident in his brief, unrecognizable role in the cast of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Martin Short's Cameo In Aquaman 2 Starts At 53:38

Martin Short as Kingfish in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - Martin Short's Cameo In Aquaman 2 Starts At 53:38

Martin Short makes a cameo appearance in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom at 53:38. He appears during the scene where Arthur and Orm go to the Sunken Citadel pirate haven to get information about Black Manta. They pretend to be captured by the colorful pirates and are taken to Kingfish, voiced by Martin Short. Just like John Rhys-Davies' Brine King, Short's character is created using CGI to look like a fancy fish.

Although the scene is a highlight of the movie, it is disappointingly short. Kingfish, initially reluctant to share information, quickly gives in to Aquaman's demands after a brief fight and a threat of suffocation. Casting Short in this role was a clever choice, as the character brings comic relief and moves the plot along. Short's talent shines through as he plays the opulent and confident king of the sea, even though there wasn't much source material to work with.

Who Is Kingfish & Is He From DC Comics?

Kingfish growling in in DC Comics - Who Is Kingfish & Is He From DC Comics?

Kingfish in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may have been inspired by one of two DC Comics characters, both of whom are relatively unknown. The most probable inspiration is King Fish, who made an appearance in Aquaman #54 and bore a strong resemblance to Short's character in the movie, from his purplish color to his sharp teeth. This villain was particularly menacing, having poisoned Atlantean citizens and incited them to rebel against King Arthur in order to seize the throne. Another, less likely source of inspiration could be Kingfish from the Dakotaverse, a parody of Marvel's Kingpin who closely resembles the human villain.

The main similarity between the two Kingfish characters is their name and their role as underworld kingpins. It seems that James Wan took some creative liberties with Kingfish, much like he did with Karshon, a humanoid member of Atlantis' Council who shares a name with a shark in DC Comics. Ultimately, Kingfish in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom remained as obscure as his comic book counterpart, as he only appeared on screen for a brief period of time.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides an intriguing glimpse into the casting choices and cameo appearance of Martin Short in the upcoming film "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom." Short's involvement, albeit brief, adds a touch of comedic relief and highlights the filmmakers' clever incorporation of talented actors into the DCEU. The article also explores the potential inspiration behind Short's character, Kingfish, from DC Comics. While the film takes creative liberties with the character, it remains true to the obscure nature of the original comic book counterpart. Overall, the article offers a compelling analysis of Short's cameo and its impact on the film's narrative.

As a reader, I appreciate the detailed information and insights provided in this article. The inclusion of timestamps and specific scenes adds depth to the discussion and allows readers to visualize Short's appearance. The exploration of the character's potential origins in DC Comics adds context and enhances the understanding of the film's creative process. Additionally, the article's clear organization and concise writing style make it easy to follow and comprehend. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the upcoming film and the role of Martin Short within the DCEU.