HEROES Star Santiago Cabrera Reflects On Being Cast As Aquaman In George Miller’s JUSTICE LEAGUE: MORTAL
The world of superhero cinema is filled with tantalizing “what ifs,” projects that never quite made it to the big screen, leaving fans to wonder what could have been. One such project is George Miller’s Justice League: Mortal, a film that promised to launch a shared DC universe akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but ultimately fell victim to the 2007/2008 writer’s strike. While the film never saw the light of day, it has since become a source of fascination for fans, particularly those who were curious about the cast assembled for the project.
Among the actors who were set to star in Justice League: Mortal was Santiago Cabrera, best known for his roles in TV series like Heroes and The Cleaning Lady. Cabrera was cast as Arthur Curry, better known as Aquaman, and had even gone so far as to try on the costume and experience the world of superhero filmmaking firsthand. In a recent interview, Cabrera reflected on his time on the project, sharing his thoughts on the experience and the impact it had on him.
“Just Being In His World”
Cabrera’s journey to becoming Aquaman began with a simple phone call. “Technically, I was Aquaman in 2007 when the writer’s strike hit,” Cabrera explained. “Just before, we went to Australia, I was with George Miller — I’m just such a fan, I think he’s phenomenal. And I had a little communication with him. My friend Tom Burke, who was fantastic in Furiosa, which I just loved, he was like, ‘Hey, George says ‘Hi.’ It was a feeling like, would you like to be a superhero?”
The chance to work with Miller, the visionary director behind the Mad Max franchise, was a dream come true for Cabrera. It was a feeling of being part of something special, an opportunity to take on a role that he felt deeply connected to. However, the writer’s strike intervened, throwing a wrench into the plans and putting the project on hold indefinitely. Despite the setback, Cabrera still considers his time on Justice League: Mortal a valuable experience, one that allowed him to step into the world of superheroes and glimpse what could have been.
Cabrera went on to share a memorable detail about his involvement with the project, a moment that solidified the reality of his casting. “The strike hit, so they put [Justice League: Mortal, which remained shelved] on hold. But just being in his world, I went to Wētā, Peter Jackson’s FX company, where I tried the costume on. So it felt very real for a second there. But at the same time, it was like: Don’t do these things. In this business, until it’s all out there, until you’re at the premiere and you’re talking about it like I am now, it’s never real.”
Trying on the Aquaman costume was a surreal experience for Cabrera, a tangible confirmation that he was truly part of the project. He felt the excitement and anticipation of becoming a superhero, but also a sense of caution, knowing that things could change at any moment. This experience, while fleeting, left a lasting impression on Cabrera, a reminder of the fleeting nature of success and the importance of staying grounded.
Open To More Superhero Roles
Even though Justice League: Mortal was ultimately shelved, Cabrera’s experience on the project ignited a passion for superhero cinema within him. He expressed his openness to taking on more roles in the genre, acknowledging that he’s always been a fan. “Clearly, I was excited for that one,” Cabrera said, confirming his willingness to star in another Marvel or DC project. “So if anything came again, I feel, why not? I’d love to go into the villain territory though, I think I’d enjoy it.”
Cabrera’s willingness to explore the darker side of the superhero genre is intriguing. He envisions himself playing a compelling villain, adding a new layer to his repertoire. It’s a testament to his desire to challenge himself as an actor and explore diverse roles, always seeking new avenues to showcase his talent.
The potential of Cabrera as a villain is undeniable. His charisma and ability to portray complex characters would make him a formidable presence in the superhero world. Whether it’s a vengeful mastermind or a morally ambiguous antihero, Cabrera has the potential to bring a fresh perspective to the villain archetype, adding depth and nuance to the genre.
What Could Have Been
While Justice League: Mortal never materialized, it remains a fascinating “what if” scenario. It’s a reminder that the world of superhero cinema is a constantly evolving landscape, where dreams can be realized and quickly dashed. The film’s legacy lies in the potential it represented, a glimpse into a different future for the DC universe, a future that never came to be.
Cabrera’s story is a reminder that even in the unpredictable world of Hollywood, there are moments of magic and opportunity. His experience on Justice League: Mortal, while brief, left a lasting mark on him, inspiring him to embrace the potential of the superhero genre and explore its vast possibilities. It’s a glimpse into a world that could have been, a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the unexpected twists and turns that can shape a career.
The Fans’ Perspective
The online community has been buzzing with discussions regarding Justice League: Mortal, particularly the casting choices made by George Miller. Cabrera’s casting as Aquaman has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing their admiration for his performance in other projects, while others believe that the role might not have been the right fit for him.
Some fans argue that Cabrera’s portrayal of Arthur Curry would have been more nuanced and less overtly heroic compared to Jason Momoa’s take on the character in the DC Extended Universe. They suggest that Cabrera’s acting style would have lent itself to a more introspective and complex Aquaman, highlighting his struggles with his dual nature as both king and superhero.
Others feel that Cabrera’s casting was a missed opportunity, believing that a more physically imposing actor would have been a better fit for the role. They point to the fact that Aquaman is often depicted as a powerful and imposing figure, and Cabrera’s physique might not have been as imposing as some fans envisioned.
The Legacy Of Justice League: Mortal
Regardless of the debate surrounding Cabrera’s casting, Justice League: Mortal remains a captivating story, a reminder that the world of superhero cinema is full of possibilities and surprises. It’s a story of dreams, ambition, and the unpredictable nature of Hollywood, a testament to the enduring power of imagination and the countless narratives that lie within the realm of superhero cinema.
Cabrera’s experience on the project is a powerful reminder that even in the face of setbacks and disappointments, there are opportunities for growth and discovery. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors, a testament to the importance of perseverance and the value of embracing unexpected detours on the journey to fulfilling one’s dreams.
What was Santiago Cabrera’s role in George Miller’s Justice League: Mortal?
Santiago Cabrera was cast as Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, in George Miller’s Justice League: Mortal.
How did Santiago Cabrera feel about being cast as Aquaman in the film?
Santiago Cabrera felt honored and excited about the opportunity to work with George Miller and to portray a superhero character like Aquaman.
Why did George Miller’s Justice League: Mortal never make it to the big screen?
The film fell victim to the 2007/2008 writer’s strike, which ultimately caused the project to be put on hold indefinitely.
How did Santiago Cabrera describe his experience working on Justice League: Mortal?
Despite the setback of the writer’s strike, Santiago Cabrera considered his time on the project a valuable experience that allowed him to immerse himself in the world of superheroes and work with a visionary director like George Miller.