DC Comics fans may have found another issue with the DCEU's latest film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, due to a significant change in the character of Karshon, making him almost unrecognizable. The movie is now available for streaming on Max, allowing viewers to analyze scenes for hidden references and Easter eggs, but the drastic alteration to Karshon's character stands out prominently.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom follows Arthur Curry's journey in the DCEU as he navigates being the King of Atlantis underwater while also adjusting to life as a new father on land. His struggle with balancing these two worlds and his reluctance to embrace his role as King of Atlantis leads to conflict with a particular member of the Council of Atlantis: Karshon. The strained relationship between Aquaman and this council member is established early on and diverges significantly from her portrayal in the comic books.
Who Plays Karshon In Aquaman 2
Karshon in regal blue clothing in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - Who Plays Karshon In Aquaman 2
Indya Moore portrays Karshon in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, wearing CGI-heavy pale blue attire as a central figure in the Council of Atlantis. Moore, a rising star in Hollywood, is best known for her role as Angel in Pose, a series depicting New York City's ball culture in the 1980s and 1990s. She has also received acclaim for her performance in Queen and Slim, where she played the character of Goddess.
Despite having limited screen time, Moore's portrayal of Karshon as a steadfast traditionalist who challenges Arthur Curry's authority sets the stage for conflict in the film. While her character's opposition may seem minor, it highlights the tension between Aquaman and Karshon before their inevitable clash later on. This portrayal of Karshon in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom offers a unique perspective on the character compared to her depiction in DC Comics.
Karshon Is An Anthropomorphic Shark In DC Comics
Karshon biting the arm of a Green Lantern in DC comics - Karshon Is An Anthropomorphic Shark In DC Comics
Karshon, also known as "The Shark," is portrayed as a different species in DC Comics, engaging primarily in conflicts with Green Lanterns rather than Aquaman. This version of Karshon starts as an average tiger shark that undergoes a mutation due to a radioactive explosion, resulting in a more inherently violent nature. Despite this, he retains a comparable level of intelligence and possesses psionic abilities, showcasing a stark contrast to the on-screen iteration.
In the DC Comics narrative, The Shark adopts the moniker Karshon during an encounter with Aquaman. During this confrontation, Karshon transforms into a humanoid figure resembling an Atlantean named Karshon. The tiger shark temporarily seizes control from Aquaman in this altered form, only for Aquaman to eventually reclaim his authority. While this aspect of Karshon's backstory bears some resemblance to the portrayal in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," significant disparities between the two versions are readily apparent.
The Shark should not be confused with King Shark, despite their physical similarities. However, both characters have had separate runs with the Suicide Squad.
Why Aquaman 2 Made Such A Big Change To DC's Karshon
Indya Moore's Karshon and the Council of Atlantis speak to Aquaman in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom - Why Aquaman 2 Made Such A Big Change To DC's Karshon
Director James Wan had forewarned about the changes to the character Karshon in an interview with Empire prior to the film's release. He explained that in the movie, Karshon would be portrayed differently from the Shark character in the comics. Wan mentioned that they aimed to introduce obstacles for Arthur, who is now the king of Atlantis, within the political realm. Karshon, originating from the High Council, serves as a political impediment for Arthur. This version of Karshon in the film is more aligned with the character that Shark based his humanoid form on in the comic books.
This also explains why Wan didn't opt for a humanoid shark body like the ones seen in the Sunken Citadel pirate haven. Using Karshon's humanoid form adds a touch of comic-book accuracy, aligning with her apparent desire to dethrone Arthur. Additionally, the resemblance between Shark and King Shark, featured in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, may have influenced Wan's decision. To avoid confusion with another anthropomorphic shark character, it is logical that Wan chose not to include one in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom can be streamed on Max.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the significant departure from the comic book character of Karshon in the DCEU's "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom." While this change may have been necessary to fit the film's narrative and political themes, it raises questions about the faithfulness to the source material. The transformation of Karshon from an anthropomorphic shark to a human council member alters the character's essence and conflicts with their established role in the comics.
Furthermore, the article explores the reasons behind this alteration, citing director James Wan's desire to create political obstacles for Aquaman and the potential confusion with King Shark. However, it remains unclear whether these reasons justify such a drastic change to a beloved character. While artistic license is important, it is crucial to balance innovation with respect for the original work, especially when dealing with iconic characters that have a strong fan base.
