Review: Aquaman 3 (2025) – Timothée Chalamet, Jason Momoa
After the global success of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Warner Bros. returns with an ambitious third installment that dares to push the boundaries of superhero storytelling. Aquaman 3 (2025) doesn’t just revisit the underwater kingdoms we’ve grown familiar with—it expands the mythos into darker, more uncharted waters. With James Wan’s signature visual flair and a bold new narrative direction, the film delivers an epic blend of political intrigue, mythological spectacle, and deeply personal drama. At the center, Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry has matured into a ruler burdened by responsibility, while Timothée Chalamet’s surprising new role shakes the balance of power in Atlantis.
One of the standout elements of Aquaman 3 is how it tackles the question of legacy. Arthur is no longer just the reluctant king struggling with his dual identity; he is now a leader trying to preserve the fragile peace between surface dwellers and Atlanteans. Enter Chalamet, who plays Orion, a mysterious royal exile with a claim to the throne. The chemistry between Momoa and Chalamet electrifies the screen—Momoa brings his rugged charisma, while Chalamet balances it with vulnerability, intelligence, and a simmering sense of ambition. Their clash is not just physical but ideological, making every encounter layered with tension and meaning.
Visually, the film is breathtaking. Wan and his team once again raise the bar with immersive CGI that renders Atlantis in jaw-dropping detail. New underwater realms, from phosphorescent coral forests to ancient shipwreck citadels, transport audiences into a living, breathing fantasy world. The action sequences—particularly a three-way battle involving Arthur, Orion, and a resurrected Black Manta—are choreographed with operatic intensity, blending cutting-edge effects with practical stunt work. Yet, what makes the visuals shine is not just their beauty but how they serve the story; each location feels symbolic, tied to the characters’ journeys and conflicts.
What elevates Aquaman 3 above a standard superhero sequel is its emotional core. Arthur’s relationship with his family—especially his son and Mera—is central to the narrative. The script explores what it means to be a protector, not just of a kingdom, but of loved ones. Chalamet’s Orion, meanwhile, is not a one-dimensional villain; he’s portrayed as a tragic figure molded by betrayal and isolation, which makes his motives heartbreakingly relatable. This duality creates a story that feels both epic and intimate, with moments of spectacle balanced by raw, human emotion.
In the end, Aquaman 3 is a triumphant chapter in the DC Extended Universe. It’s darker, richer, and more sophisticated than its predecessors, offering a superhero epic that feels as much like Shakespearean drama as blockbuster adventure. Jason Momoa proves once again that Aquaman is his defining role, while Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-defining performance that ensures Orion will be remembered as one of DC’s most complex characters. While not flawless—pacing lags slightly in the second act—the film closes on a powerful, bittersweet note that hints at even greater challenges for Atlantis in the future. For fans of superhero cinema, this is not just a must-watch—it’s a cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
