The DCEU’s version of Aquaman may seem comparable to the MCU’s Thor, but their stories are exact opposites. Both characters are rulers of powerful kingdoms, but they have entirely different outlooks on leadership, as well as their own fitness to rule. 2018’s Aquaman is regarded as a big-budget action spectacular, but at that film’s core was the story of an experienced Protector of the Deep who must come to terms with his own capacity for leadership. Arthur struggles with his self-worth, and doesn’t see himself as a future king of Atlantis.

The many comic book iterations of Arthur have turned him into a wide variety of rulers. At times, he is overconfident and domineering. In other versions, he is weak and disinterested in serving as king. The DCEU offers a compelling take on Aquaman, and has an opportunity to take the King of the Seven Seas in any number of directions.

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Whereas the DCEU’s Aquaman initially lacks confidence, the MCU’s Thor has it in spades. Thor is first introduced to fans as an arrogant, entitled figure who anticipates taking his father’s role of king, and therefore demonstrates very little capacity for growth or self-reflection. However, as Thor’s journey continues, he experiences immense trauma that humbles him and confronts him with the weight of his responsibilities. Thor’s journey is one of the most satisfying in the MCU, and it has resulted in the hilarious take on the character that is so familiar to fans today. Aquaman’s journey is the opposite of Thor’s, but offers similar potential.

By the end of James Wan’s Aquaman, the titular hero has risen to the throne, with Mera by his side. Mera’s status in the sequel is in question due to the abuse allegations against actress Amber Heard, although there are other factors working against Aquaman 2’s scheduled release date. Regardless of whether or not Mera is recast (or returns at all) in the sequel, Arthur will officially be in unprecedented territory. As the King of Atlantis, he will have to act in a capacity he was not previously comfortable with. The ending of the first film completed Arthur’s character arc and suggests that he is prepared to lead Atlantis into the future, but his insecurities are far from gone. The MCU succeeded in moving Thor from an overconfident jerk to a wise-cracking Avenger, which could provide a perfect blueprint (in the inverse) for Arthur’s character.

Of course, no one wants to see Arthur become arrogant, although such interpretations of the character have accounted for some of his greatest comic book runs. What makes characters like Aquaman and Thor so compelling is how they double as both superheroes and leaders, complicating their responsibilities and their allegiances. With new villains likely on the way for Aquaman 2, Arthur will have his hands full. Whether it is with the Justice League or with the people of Atlantis, Arthur will likely have to make some difficult choices as he continues on his leadership journey, which just so happens to be the inverse of Thor’s.

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About The Author


Cory Stillman
(139 Articles Published)

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Cory Stillman is a Movie/TV Features Writer at ScreenRant. He also contributes to Film Cred, and writes a biweekly Substack newsletter covering a whole host of pop cultural and political topics. An avid collector of both comic books and Criterion Blu-Rays, Cory is just as likely to talk your head off about why Aquaman is obviously the coolest superhero as he is to rewatch every Terrence Malick film for the umpteenth time. When he’s not writing, Cory enjoys playing video games, reading, and learning the electric guitar. You can nerd out with Cory some more on Twitter @CorsLight25 or over on his newsletter, Cory’s Reads.

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