Facts and Fiction in Aquaman: Diving into the Science Behind the Superhero

Introduction: The Underwater World of Aquaman

James Wan’s 2018 film Aquaman brought the underwater kingdom of Atlantis to life with stunning visuals and a mix of science fiction and fantasy. Starring Jason Momoa as the titular hero, the movie explores Arthur Curry’s journey to becoming the ruler of Atlantis while navigating conflicts between the surface world and the ocean. The film’s depiction of underwater life, advanced technology, and ancient civilizations raises the question: how much of what we see in Aquaman is based on real science, and how much is pure fiction?

The Realism of Aquaman: Science Beneath the Surface

While Aquaman is a superhero movie deeply rooted in fantasy, it draws upon real-world science and marine biology to create a believable underwater world. However, as with any film of this genre, the line between fact and fiction is often blurred for the sake of storytelling.

1. The Ocean’s Depths:

• Fact: The ocean is a mysterious and largely unexplored frontier, with over 80% of it still unmapped and unseen by human eyes. The film’s depiction of vast underwater landscapes, strange sea creatures, and deep-sea environments reflects the real-world diversity and mystery of Earth’s oceans. The Mariana Trench, where the hidden kingdom of Atlantis is supposedly located, is a real place and the deepest part of the world’s oceans.
• Fiction: Aquaman takes creative liberties with the depth at which humans and Atlanteans can survive. In reality, the pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench is over 1,000 times greater than at sea level, which would be lethal to humans without specialized equipment. The film’s characters, however, move through these depths as easily as walking on land, which is far from possible given current human physiology and technology.

2. Marine Biology and Sea Creatures:

• Fact: The ocean is home to a vast array of species, many of which are still unknown to science. Aquaman features a variety of marine creatures, some of which are based on real animals, such as sharks, seahorses, and octopuses. The idea of undiscovered species in the ocean is plausible, as scientists continue to find new marine life in the deepest parts of the ocean.
• Fiction: The film introduces mythical sea creatures, such as the Karathen, a gigantic, ancient sea monster, and massive, domesticated seahorses used as steeds by the Atlanteans. While these creatures add to the film’s fantasy elements, they have no basis in reality. Additionally, the telepathic communication with marine life displayed by Aquaman is purely fictional, as no known technology or biological process allows humans to communicate with animals in such a manner.

3. The Kingdom of Atlantis:

• Fact: The legend of Atlantis dates back to ancient Greek mythology, specifically the writings of the philosopher Plato. According to his accounts, Atlantis was a powerful and advanced civilization that sank into the ocean. While many theories and speculations have arisen over the centuries, there is no concrete evidence that Atlantis ever existed. The film’s portrayal of Atlantis as a thriving underwater city is inspired by these myths.
• Fiction: The Atlantis depicted in Aquaman is a highly advanced society with technology far beyond what exists on Earth. The ability to construct massive cities underwater, create powerful energy sources, and travel at incredible speeds underwater is pure fiction. Current human technology does not allow for the construction of large, sustainable underwater habitats, let alone a city as grand as Atlantis.

Fictional Elements in Aquaman: Where the Movie Takes Liberties

As a superhero film set in a fantastical universe, Aquaman inevitably includes elements that stretch the bounds of reality. These fictional aspects contribute to the film’s epic and otherworldly atmosphere.

1. Underwater Combat and Movement:

• Fiction: The film’s underwater combat scenes are fast-paced and fluid, with characters moving and fighting as though they were on land. In reality, water is much denser than air, which significantly slows down movement and makes high-speed combat nearly impossible. The agility and speed displayed by the characters are exaggerated for dramatic effect.
• Fact: While the film takes liberties with underwater physics, it does incorporate realistic elements of water pressure, buoyancy, and resistance in some scenes. However, these are often secondary to the need for visually stunning action sequences.

2. Atlantean Technology:

• Fiction: The advanced technology of Atlantis, including energy weapons, submarines that move at supersonic speeds, and the ability to breathe underwater, is far beyond current scientific understanding. The film’s portrayal of underwater transportation and weaponry is purely speculative and serves to enhance the mythical and advanced nature of the Atlanteans.
• Fact: While much of the technology in Aquaman is fictional, it is inspired by real-world advancements in underwater exploration, such as submarines, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and deep-sea research stations. These real technologies are far less advanced than what is depicted in the film, but they represent humanity’s ongoing efforts to explore and understand the ocean.

3. The Trident of Atlan:

• Fiction: The Trident of Atlan, a powerful weapon and symbol of the rightful ruler of Atlantis, is central to the film’s plot. In the movie, the trident has magical properties, including the ability to control water and command marine life. This portrayal is entirely fictional, as no known material or technology could grant such powers.
• Fact: The concept of a powerful trident is rooted in mythology, particularly in the Greek god Poseidon, who was often depicted holding a trident. The film draws on these ancient myths to create a weapon that embodies the strength and authority of Atlantis.

The Cultural Impact of Aquaman: Beyond the Screen

1. A New Representation of Superheroes:

• Fact: Aquaman has been praised for its representation of a superhero who is deeply connected to the ocean and the environment. The film’s themes of protecting the oceans and the planet have resonated with audiences, particularly in the context of increasing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation. Aquaman’s character, as a protector of both land and sea, offers a unique perspective within the superhero genre.
• Fiction: While the film promotes environmental stewardship, it simplifies the complexities of ocean conservation. The issues facing our oceans—such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction—require more than the intervention of a superhero. However, Aquaman has sparked conversations about these important topics, demonstrating the power of film to influence public discourse.

2. The Role of Mythology and Fantasy in Modern Cinema:

• Fact: Aquaman draws heavily on ancient myths, particularly those related to Atlantis and Poseidon, to create a rich and immersive world. The film’s success highlights the enduring appeal of mythology in modern storytelling. By blending these ancient tales with cutting-edge visual effects, Aquaman has brought these myths to a new generation of audiences.
• Fiction: While the film is inspired by mythology, it takes significant creative liberties, particularly in its depiction of Atlantis as a technologically advanced civilization. These elements of fantasy are central to the film’s appeal but are far removed from the original myths.

3. The Legacy of Aquaman in the Superhero Genre:

• Fact: Aquaman has established itself as a significant entry in the superhero genre, particularly within the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film’s success has led to a renewed interest in underwater settings and characters, influencing other films and media. The portrayal of Aquaman as a strong, charismatic leader has also redefined the character, who was previously seen as one of the less popular superheroes.
• Fiction: Despite its success, Aquaman remains a product of its genre, with all the fantastical elements and larger-than-life scenarios typical of superhero films. While it has made strides in representing new ideas and settings, it still follows the conventions of the genre, including epic battles, heroic feats, and clear distinctions between good and evil.

Conclusion: Aquaman—A Blend of Myth, Science, and Fantasy

Aquaman is a film that masterfully blends elements of myth, science, and fantasy to create an epic underwater adventure. While the movie takes significant creative liberties, it is grounded in real-world concepts and ancient legends that give it a sense of depth and authenticity. As we dive deeper into the mysteries of our oceans and continue to explore the possibilities of underwater exploration, Aquaman serves as both an entertaining story and a reminder of the wonders—and the unknowns—that lie beneath the waves.