Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Says Acting in 'Aquaman' Was Like 'Clown Work'

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is opening up about the differences between starring in superhero movies and more dramatic hits.

The 36-year-old actor has starred in tentpole movies like Aquaman, Ambulance, The Matrix Resurrections, and Ambulance as well as awards favorites like The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Us.

Yahya also won an Emmy Award for his work in the HBO limited series Watchmen.

Click inside to check out Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s comments…

“Everything should be about getting to the truth. But sometimes you got to know which movie or genre you’re in,” Yahya told Vulture. “Something like Aquaman, that’s clown work. Aquaman is not The Trial of the Chicago 7. You have got to get over yourself.”

He continued, “In order to survive [as an actor] and to do it well, you have to play that game and then be crafty about when you want to surprise the audience, the director, or yourself with a little bit of ‘Wow, I didn’t expect to see a Chekhovian thing or August Wilson and Aquaman, but I did.’”

After the interview was released, Yahya spoke out on Twitter.

“Tempted to clarify, but for that’s no fun. Instead, heres a pic of myself on the way to work on Trial of Chicago 7. Spy anything? 🔴 Aquaman in theaters Dec 2023! #justiceforclowns,” he tweeted.