Aquaman end credit scene EXPLAINED – Did you spot the ONLY Justice League link?

Aquaman is riding a wave of worldwide success as it smashes records and increasingly optimistic projections suggest it looks set to be the first Warner Bros DC movie to pass one billion dollars at the global box office. The extended Justice League universe has had a bumpy ride so far, although most fans are still keen to see Henry Cavill’s Superman or Ben Affleck’s Batman one last time before their rumoured exits from the DCEU. But when is Aquaman set exactly? Before or after Justice League, and do any of the other superheroes appear?

WARNING SPOILERS FROM HERE ON:

Earlier this year, director James Wan stressed he wanted to make a film which stood apart from the main Justice League narrative and concerns. The end of last year’s Justice League film showed Bruce Wayne revealing teh table and room where it was envisaged the team (and prospective new members) would meet. Does teh Aquaan film move tis forward in any way?

The simple answer is that no members of the League appear in the movie, either on screen or even mentioned in discussions. However, we know the film is set after the events of Justice League because Amber Heard’s Mera defends Aquaman at one point by reminding his detractors that he saved Atlantis from Steppenwolf.

This is the only link or reference to the wider DCEU thourghout the entire movie.

So what is the end credit scene all about?

It certainly points towards what comes next and is used primarily to set up potential storylines for the sequel.

The scene shows the villainous Black Manta rescued from the sea by the fanatic Dr Stephen Shin, who is obsessed with finding Atlantis. He recognises Black Manta’s suit as being from the technologically advanced underwater kingdom.

Both men look set to form an alliance to find Atlantis and Aquaman.

Jason Momoa has admitted he already pitched the opening scene of Aquaman 2 to Warner Bros bosses.

He has also said he is confident Henry Cavill will return as Superman. With Aquaman looking set to eclipse the box office of both Justice League films and the original Superman opener, it seems likely we will see another Aquaman film first.

AQUAMAN IS OUT NOW