Who Plays Black Manta in Aquaman?

When it comes to the DC Extended Universe, there are many iconic characters that have been brought to life on the big screen. One of the most intriguing villains is Black Manta, a character known for his bold and intimidating appearance. But who plays this formidable foe?

The answer lies with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, an actor who has quickly become a fan favorite in Hollywood. Mateen's portrayal of Black Manta in Aquaman (2018) was met with rave reviews, with many praising the actor's ability to bring depth and nuance to the character.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mateen revealed that he had never read any of the Aquaman comic books before being cast as Black Manta. However, this lack of familiarity actually worked in his favor. 'They really wanted something that the fans could relate to,' he explained. 'So, I didn't know what I was getting myself into, and that was exciting.'

Mateen's approach to playing Black Manta was centered around understanding the character's motivations and backstory. He spent a lot of time researching the character, reading scripts, and even talking to fans online to get a sense of what made Black Manta tick.

One of the biggest challenges Mateen faced in bringing Black Manta to life was the costume itself. The iconic helmet and elaborate design can be daunting for an actor, but Mateen was determined to make it work. 'The actor's job is maybe 30 percent of making it cool,' he said. 'And that means that I get in my best shape so I could wear the costume.'

Mateen's dedication paid off, as his performance as Black Manta received widespread acclaim. His chemistry with co-star Jason Momoa (Aquaman) was particularly noteworthy, and the two actors developed a strong rapport on set.

In addition to his work on Aquaman, Mateen has also been announced as part of Jordan Peele's Us, a horror film that is sure to thrill audiences. When asked about his next role, Mateen expressed a desire to play a more down-to-earth character. 'I'm excited to do something that's not as big and loud as Black Manta,' he said. 'I want to play a guy who's more relatable.'

With his impressive range and dedication to his craft, it's clear that Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an actor to watch in the years to come. And for fans of Black Manta, there's no doubt that Mateen will continue to bring this iconic character to life with his unique blend of talent and enthusiasm.

Who plays black manta in aquaman