Why one major Aquaman character isn't returning in the sequel, according to director James Wan

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Willem Dafoe's absence allows another Atlantean to thrive

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
(Image credit: Warner Bros.)

The Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom trailer made waves earlier this week, but one actor is conspicuous by their absence. Yep, Willem Dafoe – who played Arthur’s mentor Vulko in the 2018 original – isn’t returning for the under-the-sea sequel. 

According to director James Wan, it’s simply a case of scheduling conflicts – though the lack of Vulko has allowed storytelling opportunities to open up elsewhere in Atlantis.

"Willem is not in this one, no," Wan told Entertainment Weekly. "Part of the reason was because his schedule did not work out for us."

What that does do, however, is part the sea for Nicole Kidman’s Atlanna to make a splash. In the same interview, Wan hinted at the former queen of Atlantis having a bigger part to play in the DC sequel.

"What that allowed me to do was expand on Atlanna's role. Atlanna in this one ultimately becomes Arthur's advisor," Wan said. "Because Arthur's not from this world, she helps him better understand the world and the politics of how things work."

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.