Aquaman sets up Black Manta as DCEU’s next major villain

With rumors hinting at Black Manta may make a bigger splash in the DCEU than simply appearing in Aquaman, you may be wondering who this villain is.

Although we have yet to see the upcoming Aquaman solo movie, we are already talking about the future of the potential series and where this film could take the DCEU. This includes discussing Black Manta, the villain who is set to make an appearance in the film (although he is not the primary antagonist this time around).

With talk that this villain will be a major part of either a mid-credit or post-credit scene, we decided to delve into why Black Manta could be the (villainous) future of the DCEU. As a villain that has not been seen on the big screen before, many people may not be familiar with who this character is and why he could be the next major villain of the Extended Universe.

In order to understand why Black Manta could be the future, we have to look at his origins and history from the comics. Created in 1967, this character has been described as a supervillain, on par with characters like the Joker and Lex Luthor.

In the comics, Black Manta is a mercenary and treasure hunter who was responsible for the death of Aquaman’s father. When Aquaman went after him, it led to the death of Black Manta’s father. These deaths ultimately led to what we can only describe as a vicious cycle of revenge.

Here were two men who knew nothing of each other until someone sent the mercenary after a sample of Aquaman’s blood. This one job ultimately led to the deaths of both of their fathers and set them off on a path of vengeance that has lasted since the late ’60s (at least in the world of the comics).

Black Manta’s suit is also important to his abilities as a villain. His suit is actually armor that allows him to breathe under the water, which is certainly important when your primary antagonist is the king of Atlantis. The suit also gives him super strength and an enhanced durability that ultimately works to his advantage. And while the teasers we have seen featuring the character certainly hint at the same kind of suit being at his disposal, we wonder just how close to the comics the suit will be.

Another thing that makes Black Manta unique in the comics is the fact that he was autistic, with a keen mind for technology and science. After taking a serum to cure his autism, the character found his abilities enhanced, particular his stamina. Among the other skills the character possesses are a mastery of martial arts and swordsmanship, plus a strong ability to swim. (He may not be Aquaman, but he can hold his own in the water.)

Back in June, Entertainment Weekly gave us all a first look at Black Manta as part of the DCEU’s Aquaman, and while the details were not enough to let us know if he would be exactly like the comics have depicted him, we did get a general description of the character.

In the upcoming Aquaman solo movie, the Black Manta we will meet is described as “part mercenary but full-time pirate who in his suit will look like some crazy alien from outer space,” according to James Wan. Essentially we are getting a ruthless high-seas mercenary, with a suit that allows him to take on even the strongest of heroes.

Considering Aquaman is a member of the Justice League, as well as the “King of the Seven Seas,” having a villain that is able to go toe-to-toe with him on a consistent basis makes Black Manta the kind of villain the DCEU needs. Here is a bad guy who can handle himself and our hero, while also having an interesting story of his own.

And much like the Joker or Lex Luther, he is not easily defeated, which makes him an enduring figure in his own right. Knowing that he is not the main antagonist of the film, but will be a part of the solo movie is a clear clue that he has a solid future in the DCEU. Why else would they introduce this character if not to set the stage for something bigger down the line?

While we don’t know how much of a role Black Manta will play in the Aquaman solo movie at this time, we will get the answers we want when the film hits theaters on Dec. 21.