Let’s be real, the tides have changed in the DC Universe. Now that the DCEU is officially down after the disappointing Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (a.k.a. the world’s most expensive lullaby), fans are left wondering who will be holding the trident next. Jason Momoa’s version of the King of Atlantis was the DCEU’s only true box office hit, but now that James Gunn and Peter Safran are charting a new course, it’s time to find a fresh face for the ocean throne. So, who’s got the presence, power, and attitude to become the next Aquaman? Let’s count down twelve actors who could make waves in the DCU.
12. Regé-Jean Page
Few leading men embody easy royalty as effortlessly as Regé-Jean Page. From Bridgerton’s sultry duke to Dungeons & Dragons’ lighthearted hero, Page has charm in abundance. He possesses the poise, authority, and screen presence to make Atlantean royalty both regal and endearing. He hasn’t yet ventured into the superhero role, but this might be an ideal high-profile introduction.
11. Alan Ritchson
Here’s a circular choice: Alan Ritchson literally played Aquaman back in Smallville’s superhero beginnings. He’s since bulked out into a force to be reckoned with in Reacher and Titans, showing he’s got the physicality and intensity required for the big screen. Viewers already connect him with DC, and he might bring both nostalgia and renewed energy to the character.
10. John David Washington
If the next Aquaman must have gravitas and intellect behind the brawn, John David Washington fills all the boxes. With performances of note in Tenet and BlacKkKlansman, he’s already demonstrated his range and action hero skills. While he won’t match Momoa’s towering heights, his on-screen presence and subtle intensity could just as easily demand Atlantis.
9. Henry Golding
Henry Golding exudes suavity and charisma traits that might bring Aquaman a lighter, more urbane flavor. He’s already proved himself in the action arena with Snake Eyes and was a star presence in Crazy Rich Asians. Tall, suave, and irrepressibly charming, Golding might reprise Arthur Curry as a stylish but forceful king of the ocean.
8. Jamie Campbell Bower
If DC wants to steer Aquaman toward a darker, moodier vibe, Jamie Campbell Bower is the perfect choice. Known for intense roles in Stranger Things and Harry Potter, Bower could give the ocean monarch a dangerous, almost mythic energy. His sharp features and piercing presence would make for an Aquaman you’d think twice about crossing.
7. Dev Patel
Dev Patel is overdue for a superhero part, and Aquaman might be his crown jewel. Having delivered standout performances in The Green Knight and Lion, Patel is the rare actor who can make vulnerability and strength coexist. At 6’2″, he has the presence, and his introspective gravitas would add emotional nuance to the underwater king.
6. Austin Butler
Having blown us all away with his spectacular performance as Elvis, Austin Butler is Hollywood’s golden boy, and rightly so. He’s got charm, drive, and that leading-man glint. If he played Aquaman, he’d inject a rockstar quality into the role, the kind of king who rules with swagger and smirk.
5. Liam Hemsworth
If DC wishes to remain with a hulking, towering behemoth in the Momoa vein, Liam Hemsworth is the man. Having proven himself in The Hunger Games and The Witcher, he’s demonstrated he can play both action and fantasy with authority. Standing at 6’4″, he’s got the physique for the role, and the notion of one Hemsworth ruling Atlantis as another rules Asgard? Far too good to let go.
4. Joe Alwyn
Joe Alwyn may not be the first choice that comes to mind, but sometimes that’s just what makes for an excellent casting. He is tall, broodingly quiet, and has shown his acting abilities in works such as Conversations with Friends and The Favourite. His low-key vibe could provide for a more introverted, earthy Aquaman, a king with strength and depth.
3. Sam Claflin
Sam Claflin’s new to ocean escapades (Pirates of the Caribbean, anyone?). He’s got charisma, rough-around-the-edges goodness, and franchise hero experience. His Aquaman would be likable but also authoritative, the kind of hero who can crack open a beer after saving the planet.
2. Glen Powell
Having stolen the show in Top Gun: Maverick, Glen Powell is Hollywood’s newest It-guy. He’s got the wit, swagger, and action chops to put the fun back into Aquaman. With his own built-in charisma and lead-man presence, Powell might well swim into the DCU and remain for the duration, and that blonde hair? A fine retro nod to the comics.
1. Alexander Skarsgård
If there is an ideal combination of brutish strength and kingly poise, it is Alexander Skarsgård. At 6’4″, with his granite physique and ice-blue fierceness, he almost seems as if he climbed straight out of the ocean floors. His action hero chops in The Legend of Tarzan and Godzilla vs. Kong, and his dramatic acting talent in Succession, make him the perfect successor to the trident.
There you have it, twelve actors who might bring Atlantis back to life. With James Gunn revamping the DC Universe, the question isn’t if Aquaman is coming back, but who will make the biggest splash when he does?