Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom director James Wan recently discussed Topo the Octopus’ significant role in the DC Extended Universe sequel.
In an exclusive interview with JoBlo.com, Wan spoke in detail about the return of the Atlantean King’s loyal sidekick following his surprise cameo in 2018’s Aquaman. “Yeah, I know it took a lot of people by surprise when they saw the first film how much we were willing to lean into the more quirky, goofy aspect of the Aquaman world. And for me, as a filmmaker, that’s what makes it fun to be able to do all these kinds of fun stuff,” Wan said.
“And so, when I saw how well Topo was received in the first one, it gave me permission to bring him to the forefront,” he continued. “I actually really wanted him to be more of a character in the first movie, but we just didn’t have enough space to put him in there. So he just ended up with a small little cameo, but then people responded to it in a very positive way, and David Leslie Johnson, the screenwriter, and I knew immediately from the get-go that we had to put him in a significant role in this one. And he’s in this.”
Topo’s DC Comics History
Topo made his comic book debut in the pages of DC’s Adventure Comics #229. The original version of the character served as Aquaman’s intelligent pet octopus with an ear for music. The second version of Topo in the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths era first appeared in Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis in a humanoid form. Topo’s most recent incarnation in the New 52 era is a gigantic part octopus and part crab creature who can only be summoned by Aquaman’s telepathic powers.
Starring Jason Momoa in his final appearance in the title role, the official synopsis for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom reads: “Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.“
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom arrives in theaters on December 20.
