Ending of 'Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom' Movie Explained

In this sequel, Arthur Curry/Aquaman is now firmly established as the King of Atlantis. However, his reign is far from peaceful. The movie begins with a looming threat to the underwater kingdom—an ancient power that was once lost but has now been rediscovered. This force, if unleashed, has the potential to destroy both the underwater world and the surface world.

The movie also reintroduces us to familiar faces from the first film. Mera (Amber Heard), the fierce and loyal warrior who has stood by Arthur’s side, continues to be a powerful ally in his quest to protect Atlantis. Orm (Patrick Wilson), Arthur’s half-brother and former rival for the throne, finds himself in an unexpected role as the story unfolds.

The narrative takes Arthur on a quest to find the Lost Kingdom, a fabled realm that holds the key to stopping the impending disaster. Along the way, Arthur faces new and old foes, including the vengeful Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who is determined to settle his score with Aquaman. The journey is fraught with peril, but it also offers Arthur the chance to uncover long-buried secrets about Atlantis, his heritage, and his destiny.

The core of the movie revolves around the quest for the Lost Kingdom, an ancient and powerful realm that has been forgotten by time. According to Atlantean legend, the Lost Kingdom was once the most advanced civilization under the sea, but it fell into ruin after a catastrophic event. The kingdom’s remnants were scattered across the ocean, and its location became a mystery.

Arthur learns about the Lost Kingdom from an ancient scroll that Mera discovers in the Atlantean archives. The scroll hints at the existence of a powerful artifact hidden within the Lost Kingdom—a device that has the power to either save Atlantis or doom it. The artifact, known as the Trident of Poseidon, is said to be more powerful than Arthur’s own trident and could be the key to stopping the ancient force threatening their world.

The journey to find the Lost Kingdom takes Arthur and his companions across the globe. They visit various underwater realms, ancient ruins, and encounter mystical creatures along the way. Each step of the journey brings them closer to the truth, but it also reveals the dangers of wielding such immense power. The Lost Kingdom is not just a place but a test of character and resolve for Arthur, as he must decide how far he is willing to go to protect his people.

While Arthur’s quest for the Lost Kingdom is central to the plot, the movie also delves into the subplot of Black Manta’s quest for revenge. Black Manta, who was left for dead by Aquaman in the first movie, has returned with a burning desire for vengeance. Armed with new technology and fuelled by his hatred for Arthur, Black Manta is a formidable adversary who will stop at nothing to destroy Aquaman and everything he holds dear.

Black Manta’s vendetta against Arthur is personal. He blames Aquaman for the death of his father and is determined to make him pay. Throughout the movie, Black Manta’s actions are driven by his thirst for revenge, which leads him to make alliances with dangerous forces and take risks that put the entire underwater world in jeopardy.

As Arthur and his companions search for the Lost Kingdom, Black Manta is never far behind. His relentless pursuit of Aquaman creates tension and adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The battles between Aquaman and Black Manta are some of the most intense and visually stunning moments in the film, showcasing the full extent of their powers and the deep-seated animosity between them.

The climax of Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is an epic showdown that brings together all the major players in a battle for the fate of Atlantis. The ancient force that has been threatening the underwater world is revealed to be the embodiment of a powerful sea god, whose wrath was unleashed when the Lost Kingdom was destroyed centuries ago. This god has returned to exact his revenge on Atlantis, and only the Trident of Poseidon can stop him.

The final battle takes place in the ruins of the Lost Kingdom, where Arthur, Mera, Orm, and Black Manta face off against the sea god and his minions. The stakes are incredibly high, as the outcome of this battle will determine the future of both the underwater and surface worlds.

Arthur’s journey throughout the movie has been leading to this moment. He must confront not only the sea god but also the legacy of his ancestors and the responsibilities that come with being the King of Atlantis. The battle is fierce, with each character showcasing their abilities in a spectacular display of underwater combat. Mera’s control over water, Orm’s mastery of the ocean’s forces, and Arthur’s strength with the trident all play crucial roles in the fight.

In the end, it is Arthur’s courage, determination, and sense of justice that give him the edge. He manages to wield the Trident of Poseidon and use its power to defeat the sea god, saving Atlantis and the surface world from certain destruction. However, the victory comes at a cost, as the Lost Kingdom is completely obliterated in the process, leaving behind only its myths and legends.

The ending of Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is both triumphant and bittersweet. Arthur successfully defeats the sea god and saves Atlantis, solidifying his role as the rightful King. However, the destruction of the Lost Kingdom serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of power and the consequences of hubris. The Lost Kingdom, once the pinnacle of Atlantean civilization, is now nothing more than a memory, a testament to the dangers of wielding unchecked power.

The film ends with Arthur returning to Atlantis, where he is welcomed as a hero. The Atlantean people celebrate his victory, but Arthur is keenly aware of the weight of his responsibilities. The movie closes with Arthur and Mera looking out over the ocean, contemplating the future of Atlantis and the challenges that lie ahead.

The ending of the movie also leaves some questions unanswered, particularly regarding Black Manta. Although defeated in the final battle, Black Manta’s fate is left ambiguous, suggesting that he may return in future instalments to continue his vendetta against Aquaman. This open-ended conclusion keeps the door open for further exploration of these characters and their stories.

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom has sparked a wide range of reactions from viewers and critics alike. Some have praised the movie for its epic scale, stunning visual effects, and the emotional depth of its characters. The final battle, in particular, has been lauded for its intensity and the way it brings together the various storylines in a satisfying conclusion.

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some viewers have expressed disappointment with the destruction of the Lost Kingdom, feeling that it was a missed opportunity to further explore this ancient civilization. Others have criticized the ambiguous fate of Black Manta, arguing that it leaves too many loose ends and detracts from the overall sense of closure.

Despite these criticisms, the movie has been generally well-received, with many fans eager to see where the story of Aquaman will go next. The ending, while not without its flaws, provides a fitting conclusion to Arthur’s journey while also setting the stage for future adventures in the DCEU.

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is a thrilling and visually stunning sequel that builds on the foundation laid by the first film. The movie delves deeper into the mythology of Atlantis while also exploring the personal journey of its hero, Arthur Curry. The quest for the Lost Kingdom, the conflict with Black Manta, and the epic final battle all come together to create a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The movie’s ending, while triumphant, is also bittersweet. The destruction of the Lost Kingdom serves as a reminder of the consequences of power and the importance of responsibility. Arthur’s victory is hard-earned, and the challenges he faces as the King of Atlantis are far from over. The open-ended nature of the conclusion leaves room for future exploration of these characters and their stories, ensuring that the legacy of Aquaman will continue to evolve in the DCEU.

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is a movie that not only entertains but also provokes thought. It challenges viewers to consider the balance between power and responsibility, the dangers of hubris, and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. As Arthur Curry continues his journey as Aquaman, both he and the audience are reminded that the true test of a hero lies not in their strength or abilities but in their choices and actions.