Aquaman: Secrets of the Deep

Aquaman: Secrets of the Deep
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Karyn Kusama
Written by	David Kajganich
Produced by	Freddie Goodwin Marcus V. Lane
Starring	Alexander Skarsgård Sofia Boutella David Dastmalchian Tadanobu Asano Ella Rae-Smith Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Shohreh Aghdashloo Cliff Curtis Michelle Yeoh
Edited by	TBA
Production company	DC Studios
Distributed by	Warner Bros. Pictures
Release date	November 10, 2028 (2028-11-10)
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$220 million
Box office	TBA

Aquaman: Secrets of the Deep is an upcoming American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Aquaman. Produced by DC Studios and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is the fifth installment in the DC Cinematic Universe (DCCU). Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by David Kajganich, the film explores new corners of the underwater kingdoms and introduces darker elements of Atlantean lore.

Following the events of Green Lantern: Dominion, the film is expected to delve into ancient sea myths, political unrest within Atlantis, and the emergence of a lost civilization that may hold the key to Earth’s elemental balance.

Development of the project began following the announcement of the DCCU’s Chapter One: Crisis slate in January 2025. Kusama was announced as director in mid-2026, with Kajganich confirmed as screenwriter shortly after. The film aims to blend mythic horror with high-stakes geopolitical drama beneath the ocean’s surface.

Aquaman: Secrets of the Deep is scheduled to be released in the United States on November 10, 2028.

Cast

• Alexander Skarsgård as Arthur Curry / Aquaman – The half-human, half-Atlantean King of Atlantis. Struggling to maintain peace among the seven underwater kingdoms, Arthur uncovers ancient secrets that challenge his birthright and leadership.
• Sofia Boutella as Mera – The fierce warrior queen of Xebel and Arthur's partner. Mera commands hydrokinetic powers and plays a key role in investigating the ancient threat rising from the deep.
• David Dastmalchian as Vulko – Arthur’s Atlantean advisor and scholar of the Old Ways. Vulko guides Arthur through the historical origins of the deep-sea myths and rituals that are now returning to haunt Atlantis.
• Tadanobu Asano as Atlan – The long-dead first king of Atlantis, whose spirit lingers within the ruins of the lost city of Necrus. His buried secrets hold the key to the film’s central mystery.
• Ella Rae-Smith as Tula – A young Atlantean cadet and protégé of Mera, whose connection to an ancient power source makes her a target of both allies and enemies.
• Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Orm Marius / Ocean Master – Arthur’s estranged half-brother and former enemy. Imprisoned after his failed coup, Orm is drawn back into Atlantis’s fate when the threat proves greater than their past rivalry.
• Shohreh Aghdashloo as Hila / Siren – Mera’s twin sister, a mystic sorceress exiled from Xebel for her radical views. She allies with shadowy forces seeking to awaken the "Deep Gods."
• Cliff Curtis as Nereus – The militaristic ruler of Xebel and Mera's father, who sees the impending chaos as an opportunity to assert dominance over the other kingdoms.

• Michelle Yeoh as Thara – An emissary from the Trench, representing the ancient and monstrous deep-sea species once thought mindless. Thara warns of a much darker power emerging from the Mariana Rift.

Production

Development

Following the success of the first slate of DCCU films, Aquaman: Secrets of the Deep was confirmed as part of Chapter One: Crisis. Karyn Kusama, known for her work on The Invitation and Destroyer, was brought on to direct the film, with David Kajganich writing the screenplay. The film was envisioned as a departure from traditional aquatic superhero fare, incorporating themes of ancient horror and royal legacy.

Filming

Filming is expected to begin in 2027, with principal photography to take place in Italy, Iceland, and sound stages in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Release

Aquaman: Secrets of the Deep is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on November 10, 2028. It will be the fifth installment of the DCCU’s Chapter One: Crisis.

See also

• DC Cinematic Universe (DCCU)
• Green Lantern: Dominion
• Justice League: Infinite