The Shocking Truth Behind Willem Dafoe's Absence in Aquaman 2 Revealed!

Summary

Willem Dafoe will not be returning for the sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom due to scheduling conflicts.

In the absence of Dafoe's character, Vulko, Director James Wan took the chance to enhance Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Atlanna, Arthur Curry's mother, in order to expand her role. This absence also creates an opportunity for the introduction of the new villain, Black Manta, who becomes a significant menace to Aquaman and contributes to building the narrative tension.

Willem Dafoe will not be making a return in the upcoming sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, produced by DC Studios. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 film, Aquaman, is scheduled for release on December 20, 2023. It is expected to conclude the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) before the launch of James Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe with Superman: Legacy in 2025. Though most of the main cast from the original Aquaman, including Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Kidman, Patrick Wilson, and Amber Heard, will be reprising their roles in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Willem Dafoe will not be joining them. Dafoe portrayed the character Nuidis Vulko, a mentor and advisor to Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, in the first film. Despite his pivotal role, it was confirmed that Willem Dafoe will not be returning as Nuidis Vulko in the sequel. Director James Wan explained to Entertainment Weekly that the decision was due to scheduling conflicts, possibly related to Dafoe's involvement in Asteroid City and Poor Things.

Dafoe's absence from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom gave Wan the opportunity to enhance Nicole Kidman's character, Atlanna, Curry's mother. Wan explained in his statement that Willem's unavailability led to a greater focus on Atlanna's role. In this installment, Atlanna takes on the role of Arthur's advisor as he navigates a world that is unfamiliar to him, providing him with insight into its workings and politics.

Willem Dafoe's Vulko Can Make Manta A Better Villain

Willem Dafoe's unavailability to reprise his role in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom led to James Wan providing an in-universe explanation for Vulko's absence in the upcoming film. The trailer revealed that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's Black Manta now possesses the powerful Black Trident, making him a greater threat than before. Manta is expected to be a formidable adversary for Aquaman, and a significant detail involving Vulko could support this claim.

It is possible that the storyline reveals that Black Manta off-screen killed Vulko using the Black Trident, eliminating Arthur Curry's advisor and close friend. This would showcase Manta's growing strength, especially since Vulko was the skilled fighter who trained Arthur. Narratively, it would make perfect sense for Manta to seek revenge against Arthur by targeting someone dear to him. Although Willem Dafoe's absence will be felt, the film can use this plot point to significantly empower its new villain.

Source: Entertainment Weekly