Aquaman 2 Theory: The Lost Kingdom Will Focus On Skartaris & Warlord
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" (despite poor test screenings) is set to come out at the end of this year, so fans have ample time to speculate on various elements of the film. One theory about the film's focus comes from a fan on Reddit, who certainly seems to have a lot of evidence to back up the claim that "Lost Kingdom" will be centered heavily on Skartaris, the fantasy subterranean realm introduced in the DC Comics series "The Warlord" in the '70s.
Not traditionally part of "Aquaman" lore, u/AtroeMartian is nevertheless convinced that Skartaris is the "Lost Kingdom" of the film's title. For starters, they point out that even if its name isn't mentioned in the film, the first Jason Momoa "Aquaman" movie depicts an underground realm where dinosaurs (among other things) still roam. DC Comics devotees would recognize that setting as Skartaris. It follows, they postulate, that the realm could be a setting for a sequel, especially one with as apt a title as "Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom."
The underground realm could make a good TV series of its own
The theory also cites some behind-the-scenes photos from a previous DC Fandome event depicting some sort of jungle-like setting in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," as well as the simple fact that Skartaris could be considered a kind of "Lost Kingdom" within DC Comics mythology.
As u/AtroeMartian admits, it's a little thin, and there are even some compelling points against Skartaris having a central role in the film: "Granted there [are] a good few points against me. For one, the rumored villains have nothing to do with Skartaris [Karshon, Necrus, and Mogno] and there are other BTS landscape shots that don't really resemble Skartaris."
But it's still an interesting theory to consider, and if Skartaris ends up not being the "Lost Kingdom" of the title, a secret underground realm populated by dinosaurs and cavemen could be a great setting for a streaming series, perhaps centered on the character Warlord, even if he doesn't end up making his screen debut in the upcoming "Aquaman" sequel.
Fans will find out for sure what this "Lost Kingdom" is when "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" hits theaters on December 20, 2023.