Back in April, it was revealed that Willem Dafoe had been added to the already sprawling Justice League cast. We know that he's playing Vulko, an Atlantean with ties to Jason Momoa's Aquaman, and you may not be surprised to learn from Dafoe himself that that means he'll be a bigger part of the solo Aquaman adventure.
Out stumping for Paul Schrader's Dog Eat Dog, Dafoe was asked about working on Zack Snyder's latest DC movie, and dropped word of his future with the franchise. "Justice League is very particular because it’s an ensemble movie and my character is being introduced here in order to be a principal role in Aquaman," says Dafoe. "These films are a different experience. They have different responsibilities, different resources and different intentions. It’s nice to go between those worlds if you can. They serve different impulses."
Vulko in the comic books has been around since the 1960s, as a science advisor and then a close friend and confidante to the King. He's since had a variety of stories, including one where he turns against his old friend, so bear that in mind for a possibility down the line. We don't want you to think we're considering that option just because Dafoe gives good bad guy vibes, but we won't deny it's in our heads.
Justice League, which will see Aquaman and his super-powered associates facing down the evil Steppenwolf, will be out on 17 November next year.