Released in theaters in December 2018, Aquaman is a superhero film directed by James Wan, starring Jason Momoa in the titular role. Based on the DC Comics universe, this movie marks Aquaman's first solo adventure following his appearances in Batman v Superman and Justice League. Alongside Momoa, the cast features Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, and Nicole Kidman. The film will air on TF1 on Thursday, January 1st, 2026, as part of the evening lineup.
Created in 1941 by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, Aquaman is here given a fresh, action-packed origin story. Arthur Curry, caught between land and sea as a half-human, half-Atlante, has always struggled to find his place in either world. When tensions escalate between the surface dwellers and Atlantis, threatening the planet’s fragile balance, he must finally embrace the legacy he's long resisted.
With Aquaman, James Wan steps into a different genre after horror and action films, embracing an epic adventure style inspired by comics as well as classic 1980s blockbusters. The director focused on crafting a vibrant visual universe, dominated by a palette of aquatic hues and a distinct artistic style. While much of the story unfolds underwater, the filming didn’t take place underwater: almost all of the underwater scenes were recreated in post-production.
Jason Momoa brings a tougher, more rugged version of Aquaman to the screen — a hero still finding his footing rather than a fully established ruler. Amber Heard portrays Mera, a warrior queen with the power to manipulate water, while Patrick Wilson plays Orm, the film’s central antagonist. Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman round out the cast, blending mentorship and family drama in a compelling mix.
The film targets a broad audience, particularly fans of superhero spectacles and adventure stories. Its tone shifts seamlessly between large-scale action sequences, occasional humor, and mythological themes, all while weaving in an underlying ecological message about ocean pollution and human responsibility.
Aquaman
Film | 2018
In theaters starting December 19, 2018
TV Broadcast: Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 9:10 PM on TF1
Action, fantasy | Runtime: 2h24
Directed by James Wan | Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe
Country: USA
Blending mythological grandeur with blockbuster thrills, Aquaman stands out as one of the most spectacular films in the DC universe. Its broadcast on TF1 to kick off the year provides the perfect opportunity to (re)experience this underwater adventure, crafted as a major piece of popular cinema entertainment.
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