The Aquaman movie will be a bold new direction for the DC Extended Universe. Not only will it expand on the superhero mythos of DC, but also will it throw some much-needed light on the hidden, underwater kingdom of Atlantis which has up until now played a huge role and showcased so many times in the DCEU movies. As the release date of that movie nears, we know James Wan, the director of Aquaman, is a man of his word. He will not disappoint and the first Easter egg of Aquaman has already proved the preceding sentence. Presenting – Aquaman’s first Easter egg is the biggest step for the DCEU!!!!
In no way does this disrespect the work of Zack Snyder in the DCEU. When it comes to making subtle comic book references and including Easter eggs in the movie that will literally blow a nerd’s mind away, Zack Snyder has no equal in Hollywood. But he too fell short in one aspect. For all his comic book knowhow, Zack Snyder could not ever include pet sidekicks of the Superheroes like Krypto the Super Dog or Wonder Woman’s Pet Kangaroo or Ace the Bat-Hound in his movies. This is where James Wan’s Aquaman finally has its time to shine. The movie includes Topo in the background scenes. For those of you who do not know who Topo is, let us enlighten you – Topo is the music-loving, eight-armed sidekick of Aquaman that has accompanied him on several adventures as well. While examining the editing bay of the Aquaman movie, an interesting plot element was discovered. The movie will include several scenes that were not even mentioned or referred to in the trailer. Director James Wan has confirmed that the movie will have several scenes that will drive the plot in a different than expected direction. The fight scene between Orm and Arthur Curry will be of special importance as the fight scene will involve another major character. Topo will not only be present, but he will also be playing his favourite musical instrument.
Topo debuted first in 1965 in Adventure Comics #229. At that time, Arthur Curry was in search of a sidekick himself. Topo’s willingness to learn music and to adapt according to the Aquaman’s demands was of particular advantage to the Cephalopod in his selection into Aquaman’s ranks. The Aquaman movie is clearly inspired by the works of Geoff Johns. He is the guy that introduced a lot of plot elements into the comic books that the movie is using to drive the story forward, including Topo.
It was in 2013 that Topo came back into the spotlight after being scrapped for more than 20 years. Topo now returned as a huge Leviathan that had a neural system too complex for Aquaman to use his telepathic powers on to command and control. As a result, Aquaman had to request Topo’s assistance rather than command it. The comic books show Aquaman finally managing to control Topo at will but it would cost him a tremendous amount of his life force, eventually putting him into a coma for six months.
There could have been a giant octopus in the movie. But James Wan decided to scrap that and pay tribute to the original, funnier version that fans were more close to. When Orm and Curry fight it out in the Atlantean arena, it will be Topo playing the musical score. There is nothing better than a good comic book reference to make your day.
Aquaman is set for release this year on December 14.
Aquaman first appeared in Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. The official film synopsis reads:
It’s been nearly two years since Superman’s (Henry Cavill) colossal battle with Zod (Michael Shannon) devastated the city of Metropolis. The loss of life and collateral damage left many feeling angry and helpless, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). Convinced that Superman is now a threat to humanity, Batman embarks on a personal vendetta to end his reign on Earth, while the conniving Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) launches his own crusade against the Man of Steel.
