In light of another release date delay for DC sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, director James Wan has taken to social media to release a whole host of concept art from the upcoming comic book outing. Courtesy of James Wan’s official Instagram account, the concept art teases the same sort of stunning underwater visuals that were met with such acclaim in the first Aquaman, with other images showing off Jason Momoa’s return and his battle with Black Manta.

“AQUAMAN & The Lost Kingdom moving to Christmas Day 2023. I’m a bit superstitious and I love that it’s a December release like the first one!” Wan wrote in a caption alongside the images. “Here is a small glimpse of some artwork into the big, epic world-building we’re creating, and I need the time to do it right. These images barely scratch the surface of this movie (haven’t even shown the weird and wonderful characters and creatures of this world yet). I can’t wait to show, but you have to wait just a little bit longer.”

The images reveal several details about Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with one showing Momoa’s Atlantean king leaping towards what appears to be the "Sea Changed," a subspecies of mutated Atlanteans who have taken on the appearances of sharks and other sea creatures. Further images reveal a giant battle, and while it is unknown who exactly is involved, the artwork seemingly hints at the inclusion of Necrus aka The Black City, another underwater kingdom ruled over by a militaristic tyrant king.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Has Now Been Pushed Back to December 2023

The world of DC has undergone several changes recently following the appointment of President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav. With the sudden cancelation of Batgirl and various other projects, many had wondered whether we would see the ax fall on Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Instead, the Aquaman adventure, along with Shazam! Fury of the Gods, has suffered another delay.

Thus, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will now land in theaters on December 25, 2023, with Shazam! Fury of the Gods now scheduled to be released on March 17, 2023.

While more specific plot details for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom continue to remain under wraps, the official synopsis reads; "When an ancient power is unleashed, Aquaman must forge an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally to protect Atlantis, and the world, from irreversible devastation."

Directed by James Wan from a screenplay written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldric, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will reunite several members of the cast from the first movie, including Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Orm Marius/Ocean Master, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus, Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, Arthur's father, and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Arthur's mother and the former queen of Atlantis. The DC sequel will also add the likes of Randall Park, Vincent Regan, Jani Zhao, Pose breakout star Indya Moore, and Pilou Asbæk, with Ben Affleck reprising the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.