Is King Orm’s reign truly over? Patrick Wilson, the man behind the trident, is pondering his future in the DC Universe. From Night Owl to Ocean Master, his superhero journey has been legendary. But with a new DCU on the horizon, could we see Orm rise again, or has his story reached its ultimate conclusion? What do you think?
Patrick Wilson has carved out a distinctive and celebrated legacy within the expansive realm of superhero cinema, showcasing his versatility and depth across various iconic franchises. His initial foray into this genre saw him portray Dan Dreiberg, famously known as Night Owl II, in Zack Snyder’s revered adaptation of ‘Watchmen,’ a role that immediately established his credentials in complex, character-driven narratives within the comic book landscape.
Beyond ‘Watchmen,’ Wilson has notably demonstrated his unique position within the DC universe itself, holding the rare distinction of embodying two distinct characters. While he lent his voice to the President of the United States in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,’ it is his portrayal of Orm, the Ocean Master, in both ‘Aquaman’ blockbusters that has truly captivated audiences and solidified his impact as a formidable force on screen.
Given this rich and varied history with DC properties, a pertinent question arises among fans and industry observers alike: could Patrick Wilson, particularly in his acclaimed role as King Orm, find a future within the rapidly evolving and re-envisioned DC Universe spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran? The potential for his return has become a subject of considerable speculation and discussion.
While no definitive announcements or confirmations have been made regarding Orm’s place in the new DC Studios slate, it is evident that the possibility has at least been contemplated. Wilson himself has addressed these inquiries during recent promotional circuits for his latest film endeavors, indicating that the topic has crossed his mind and been part of informal industry dialogues.
During these discussions, Wilson shed light on his professional relationships within DC Studios leadership. He confirmed his extensive collaborative history with Peter Safran, who served as a producer on the ‘Aquaman’ films, acknowledging a strong working rapport. However, he also noted that he has not yet had the opportunity for a direct meeting or conversation with co-CEO James Gunn concerning future plans for the DCU.
Interestingly, despite the clear fan enthusiasm for his character, Wilson expressed a nuanced perspective on Orm’s potential future. He voiced a sentiment of satisfaction regarding the character’s journey, suggesting that he’s “not sure there is a whole lot more that he wants to ‘say’ with Orm as a character,” implying a sense of completeness for the narrative arc he has already explored.
This viewpoint is strongly supported by the character’s compelling transformation throughout the ‘Aquaman’ saga. In the inaugural film, Orm is presented as a primary antagonist, deeply committed to conquering the surface world, leading to his eventual defeat and imprisonment. His narrative, however, took a significant turn towards redemption in the sequel, where he forged an uneasy but ultimately crucial alliance with Arthur Curry, the titular hero, to combat a new, more pervasive threat to their world.
The question of actors returning to their roles in a rebooted universe, especially after a character’s arc has seemingly concluded, presents an intriguing challenge for the new DC Studios vision. While Patrick Wilson’s contributions as Orm have been critically praised and widely enjoyed, the decision to revisit or expand upon his character will undoubtedly hinge on the strategic direction James Gunn and Peter Safran envision for their comprehensive and interconnected DC cinematic future.
