Principal photography for Warner Bros. action adventure Aquaman commenced at Queensland’s Village Roadshow Studios this month. The production is helmed by acclaimed filmmaker James Wan (The Conjuring films, Furious 7) and stars Jason Momoa in the title role, returning to the character he plays in Justice League. 

As is fitting for the king of the sea, the shoot will take place mainly in locations spanning the stunning Gold Coast of Queensland, with extensive filming at Village Roadshow Studios (VRS). The production will utilise the sprawling backlot and all nine VRS soundstages, including its newest, Stage 9, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Filming will also take place in Newfoundland, Sicily and Tunisia.

An icon for over 75 years, Aquaman is known by fans of DC Comics as the ruler of Atlantis but committed to protecting the entire globe, both land and sea. Currently set for a 2018 release, the film is based on characters from the DC universe.

The film also stars Amber Heard (Justice League, Magic Mike XXL) as Mera; Oscar® nominee Willem Dafoe (Platoon, Spider-Man 2) as Vulko; Temuera Morrison (Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Green Lantern) as Tom Curry; Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables films) as Nereus; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Baywatch, Netflix’s The Get Down) as Black Manta; with Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring films, Watchmen) as Orm/Ocean Master; and Oscar® winner Nicole Kidman (The Hours, Lion) as Atlanna.

The film is being produced by Peter Safran, with Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Rob Cowan, Jon Berg and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.

PICTURE: First day of filming Aquaman at the Gold Coast’s Village Roadshow Studios: The Goodjinburra Dancers performed the Welcome to Country. In photo with (left to right): Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (tallest in photo), Michael Beach, James Wan, director, Peter Safran, producer (white shirt), Rob Cowan, executive producer (sunglasses), Tracey Vieira, CEO, Screen Queensland