'Aquaman': Let's take a deep dive into that high-octane submarine fight (exclusive)
Some comic book blockbusters tiptoe into staging their biggest, most expensive set pieces. But Aquaman director James Wan dove headfirst into that particular deep end right away. The maiden voyage of DC’s aquatic superhero opens with Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) kicking pirate butt on a Russian submarine — an action-packed showcase for his fighting prowess. “This is Aquaman’s hero intro to this movie,” Wan remarks in an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip from the hit movie’s upcoming home release. “The submarine set piece was literally the first day of photography. There’s no better place to start than at the deep end.” (Watch the clip above.)
For Momoa, the submarine sequence represented a way to establish the kind of hero Arthur is at the beginning of the movie, and how he evolves when he takes on the mantle (and bright orange suit) of Aquaman. “I wanted him to be very much like a bar fighter: smashing heads, kicking knees out and grabbing things,” the Hawaiian-born actor says of the various moves his alter ego demonstrates on the submarine. That’s a marked contrast from his climactic battle with his half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), where Arthur is a more focused fighter, wielding his royal trident like an extra appendage.
To give Momoa the freedom to get rough-and-tumble in the close confines of a submarine, the crew padded the walls and stairs with rubber to avoid any injuries to the star or the team of stunt performers he tossed around the set. And they definitely needed that extra cushioning. “Even without his superpowers, he’s strong,” laughs stuntman Alex Kuzelicki, after observing a take where Momoa throws one opponent into the (padded) ceiling of the sub. Take note, everyone: this is why you should never, ever get into a bar fight with Aquaman.
Aquaman is currently available to purchase on digital services including iTunes and Vudu. The film will be available for purchase on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on March 26 via Amazon, Target and Walmart.
Watch: James Wan on how he shot the film’s most terrifying scene:
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