 |
This Article Contains Spoilers -
WARNING: This article contains major spoilers. If you do not wish to know vital information on plot / character elements in a story, you may not wish to read beyond this warning: We hold no responsibility for any negative effects these facts may have on your enjoyment of said media should you continue. That is all. |
| “ | If you seek my power, you must prove your worth. | „ |
| ~ Atlan. |
| “ | I've stole nothing from you, brother! All I've ever wanted is for our nations to live in peace with another. | „ |
| ~ Atlan to his brother Kordax when he pleads for him to stop using orichalcum.[1] |
King Atlan is a major character in the DC Extended Universe, appearing as a flashback character in the 2017 film Justice League and its 2021 director's cut Zack Snyder's Justice League, and as the overarching protagonist of the 2018 film Aquaman and its 2023 sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Atlan was the legendary first King of Atlantis, a flourishing nation of technological genius with ever-increasing ambition.
Years ago he led his armies to the defense of Earth, fighting alongside the Amazons, Humans, Old Gods, and Green Lanterns to defeat a New God invasion. Eventually, Atlantis sunk into the ocean after Atlan experimented with new technology.
After the Battle for Earth and before the Fall, Altan was forced to fight against his younger brother, Kordax who went mad due to the damages that the younger king had did to the land and sea. The Atlantean King had won and imprisoned his brother in a ice prison.
Consumed with guilt, Atlan journeyed to the Hidden Sea where he remained in exile for the rest of his life. The people of Atlantis prevailed, evolving into an underwater race of superhumans. The Trident of Atlan, held by Atlan upon his death, became a coveted relic that signified its wielder as the true King of Atlantis.
He was portrayed by Julian Lewis Jones in the 2017 film Justice League and its 2021 director's cut Zack Snyder's Justice League, and by Graham McTavish (who also played Dwalin in The Hobbit and voiced Dante Alighieri in Dante's Inferno and Charlie Cutter in Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception) in the 2018 film Aquaman.
Biography[]
Background[]
Not much is known about Atlan's past, but he would become the first ruler of Atlantis, helping the kingdom in his technolgocial advancement due to his leadership. When the New God Darkseid invaded Earth to obtain the mother boxes, Atlan joined forces with the Old Gods, Amazons, and the Green Lantern Corps to fight against him and his army. Following Darkseid's defeat, Atlan was given one of the boxes to prevent them from combining in fear of its power. Later on, he went into self-imposed exile after Atlantis sank following a failed experiment, and left behind a message for his heir to claim his trident.
Trivia[]
- In the comics, King Atlan was the first and greatest King of Atlantis whose family was murdered and throne usurped by his younger brother Orin. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, Atlan used his scepter to sink the Kingdoms of Atlantis into the oceans. He subsequently fell into a deep sleep, and was accidently awakened eons later by his brother's descendant Aquaman. Now known as the Dead King, Atlan tried to usurp Aquaman's throne, although he was defeated and finally laid to rest.
