Santiago Cabrera was cast as Aquaman in George Miller's Justice League: Mortal, but the project collapsed before filming.
Santiago Cabrera was confirmed as the only actor to ever be cast as Aquaman in a theatrical setting before Jason Momoa's iconic portrayal. According to ComicBook.com, Cabrera's involvement was tied to the ill-fated project Justice League: Mortal, directed by George Miller. This film was reported to be on the verge of production in 2007 when various complications led to its downfall.
Justice League: Mortal was planned to feature a star-studded cast that included Armie Hammer as Batman, D.J. Cotrona as Superman, and Megan Gale as Wonder Woman. However, several factors contributed to the film’s cancellation. Notably, the Writers Guild strike commenced in November 2007, halting script progress. Shortly thereafter, the Australian government denied a significant tax rebate, essential for the film's budget. These hurdles ultimately led to the project's closure by August 2008.
Although Cabrera had not been officially confirmed by Warner Bros. for the role, he recounted in 2024 that he had indeed tried on the Aquaman costume during a visit to Wētā Workshop, where designs for the film were being developed. He remarked that his experience felt real, yet clarified that nothing was assured until he could attend a premiere. Cabrera’s casting has never been substantiated by official sources, leaving fans to wonder about the potential of what might have been.
Fast forward to 2018, and Jason Momoa brought Aquaman to life in a way that shattered previous perceptions of the character, grossing approximately $1.15 billion worldwide. This marked a significant shift from the comedic portrayal seen in Entourage, which had lampooned the very concept of a major Aquaman film just over a decade earlier. As the only one who ever tried on the Aquaman suit for a theatrical release, Cabrera stands out amidst other portrayals from television adaptations.
As of now, Jason Momoa's future as Aquaman is uncertain, particularly with director James Gunn indicating reservations about maintaining continuity in the revamped DC Universe. Recently, Momoa has transitioned to a new role as Lobo in Supergirl, further complicating Aquaman’s legacy. Currently, no new actor has been announced to take on the Aquaman mantle, leaving the representation of the character in theatrical releases at a standstill.
Cabrera's near-casting as Aquaman is an intriguing chapter in the superhero genre's evolving narrative. While the role ultimately fell to Momoa, Cabrera's experience underscores how Hollywood's landscape can change dramatically, affecting castings and projects. The story of Justice League: Mortal serves as a reminder of the many challenges that can derail even the most ambitious cinematic endeavors. As both Aquaman and its sequel continue to stream on HBO Max, fans are left to contemplate where the character will go next or which actor may rise to take on this iconic role in future projects.
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