Aquaman 3 Officially Nixed – Here’s Why DC Studios Is Focusing on New Heroes Instead

The tide has turned for Aquaman—and this time, it’s not headed back to Atlantis. As of April 2025, DC Studios has confirmed there are no plans for Aquaman 3, marking the end of Jason Momoa’s run as the ocean-dwelling superhero. Despite his charismatic portrayal and box office success, the character will not be continuing under the new DC Universe (DCU) reboot helmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran.

A Respectful Sendoff to a Box Office Giant

Released in December 2023, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was a high-stakes sequel that served as a farewell to the DCEU era. Though it earned an impressive $439 million globally, it fell short of its predecessor’s billion-dollar splash in 2018. Insiders say the film was always intended as a conclusion to Arthur Curry’s arc. Marketing materials subtly nodded to this, framing the film as both a climactic adventure and a quiet goodbye.

Enter a New Era: Gods, Monsters, and Multiverses

DC Studios is now firmly focused on rebooting its cinematic world under the banner Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. Gunn and Safran’s interconnected vision spans film, TV, and animation—with an entirely new cast of characters taking the spotlight.

Key upcoming films include:

• Superman (July 11, 2025) – A fresh take on Clark Kent.

• Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (June 26, 2026) – Milly Alcock stars in a gritty, cosmic journey.

• Clayface, The Authority, and Swamp Thing – Genre-bending projects with dark and daring tones.

• The Brave and the Bold – A new Batman story centered on Bruce Wayne and his assassin-trained son Damian.

Television won’t be left behind either, with Lanterns, Creature Commandos, and Peacemaker Season 2 anchoring the small-screen expansion.

From Trident to Trouble: Jason Momoa’s Next Act as Lobo

While Aquaman may be gone, Jason Momoa isn’t swimming away from DC just yet. He is heavily rumored—and nearly confirmed—to be taking on the role of Lobo, the intergalactic bounty hunter with a bad attitude and a bigger gun. Momoa has long called Lobo a “dream role,” and signs point to his first appearance coming in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Gunn has emphasized that major actors will only portray one live-action character in the DCU, virtually confirming Momoa’s retirement from the seas.

Director James Wan Bids Farewell, Too

James Wan, who directed both Aquaman films, has remained on the sidelines regarding future involvement. While appreciative of his time in the franchise, Wan has expressed interest in creative independence—something that may not align with the carefully interconnected approach of the DCU reboot. Should Aquaman ever resurface, it will likely be with a new creative team—and possibly a new face.

The Final Verdict: Don’t Hold Your Breath

• Aquaman 3 is not in development.

• The DCEU is officially closed.

• Box office alone wasn’t enough to carry the old continuity forward.

• Jason Momoa is pivoting to a new character in the DCU.

• DC Studios is laser-focused on new stories, characters, and tonal coherence.

A New Wave of Heroes

Jason Momoa’s Aquaman defined a generation of DC fans and delivered some of the franchise’s biggest moments. But as the DCU sets sail into uncharted waters with fresh mythologies and bold storytelling, it’s clear: the trident has been laid to rest, and the future belongs to a new pantheon.