Actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Watchmen) says there’s a lot to look forward to in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. In a recent The Hollywood Reporter cover story, Abdul-Mateen–who plays Black Manta–is promising that the sequel is going to be bigger and better.

“I think the script is better than it was in the first one,” says Abdul-Mateen. “It gives the actors a lot of good storytelling moments.” Later in the article, he also adds that the 2018 predecessor movie in the franchise only gave “a small introduction to Black Manta and to some of his motivations. In this one, I get to exercise and breathe a little bit more. I’m showing some different colors with this one.”

Not much is known about the sequel, which began filming somewhere chilly in June and is currently scheduled for release on December 16, 2022. In addition to Abdul-Mateen’s information here, we do also know about the returning cast: Abdul-Mateen as Black Manta, Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Arthur’s Atlantean half-brother Orm AKA Ocean Master, and Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus.

There’s a lot going on in the DC Extended Universe. A number of other movies are in various stages of development. Flashpoint director Andy Muschietti has been dropping social media close-up shots from the costume department of the Flash’s solo movie, Shazam! Fury of the Gods has revealed the new costumes for DC’s mightiest family, and James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad just dropped on HBO Max and in theaters..

For more, check out our guide to every upcoming DC movie we know about.