Sure, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has been delayed multiple times, but that just means the DC Movie Machine has had more time to prime the media on what to expect from the second installment in the Jason Momoa-led franchise. Today’s fanservice character of the day is “Topo.”
Topo, for those who don’t know, is an octopus; in the comics, he’s a sort of sidekick. He’s the Flounder to Aquaman’s Ariel. And today, Empire released a preview of its interview with director James Wan, in which he talks all about this little invertebrate, generously called a “fan favorite” in the article.
“Topo is a real character in this one! In the comic, he’s a big part of Arthur’s life—a sidekick, pet, friend. So, we’re leaning into that,” Wan explained. Topo, who can be seen for maybe five seconds in the first film, playing bongos, will be entirely computer generated. But, according to Empire, in his “creation, efforts were made to create real chemistry between the titular hero and the tentacular tub-thumper.”
Yeah, DC needs all the time it can get to convince audiences and critics to take this seriously. Wan said of whatever puppet Momoa was acting alongside, “I love the relationship Jason has built with this octopus. It was really fun to watch him ‘act’ with Topo. Sometimes we would have an actor standing in by ‘muppeting’ a goofy stick puppet—watching Jason play off that was so funny. I think people are going to enjoy Arthur and Toro’s [sic] relationship.”
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hits theaters December 20.
This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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