Arka Evren

ACTOR

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Known for
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), Candyman (2021), Wonder Man (2026), The Get Down (2016)

16 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Oct 2026

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an actor best known for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Candyman and Wonder Man.

11 Interesting Facts About Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

  1. #003

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II did not know how to swim before landing his role in Aquaman (2018) and learned to swim before production began.

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  2. #005

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II studied Architecture at Berkeley.

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  3. #006

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has a mild stutter, which is one of the reasons he took acting classes.

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  4. #007

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is the first actor to play Aquaman's archenemy Black Manta in live action.

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  5. #009

    If he could play a musician in a biographical film, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II would want to play Marvin Gaye.

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  6. #010

    Although Yahya Abdul-Mateen II describes himself as a nerd, he was prom king in high school.

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  7. #011

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II grew up in Oakland, California.

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  8. #012

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's name is properly pronounced Ya-he-ya, but he dislikes it when people say "YAH-YAH."

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  9. #013

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II founded the production company Eleven10.

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  10. #014

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II trained in acting at the American Conservatory Theater.

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  11. #015

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was invited to join the actors branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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