In Nautilus (2024), Disney+ dives deep — both literally and narratively — into the origin story of one of literature’s most enigmatic antiheroes: Captain Nemo. Darker, more philosophical, and far more emotionally charged than past adaptations, this limited series reimagines Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea not as mere steampunk spectacle, but as a character-driven journey through vengeance, science, and colonial resistance.
Created by James Dormer and helmed by a mix of international directors, Nautilus follows the early life of Prince Dakkar, later known as Captain Nemo (played with intensity and gravitas by Shazad Latif), a brilliant Indian inventor and former prince who is betrayed by the British Empire, loses everything, and disappears — only to return as the captain of the world’s most advanced submarine, The Nautilus.
Over 10 episodes, Nautilus traces how Nemo assembles his crew of outcasts, engineers a ship powered by forbidden technology, and travels the depths not just of the ocean, but of morality. The sea is not a safe place — monstrous creatures lurk in the black water, colonial navies hunt him, and his own demons follow close behind.
What sets Nautilus apart is its ambition. While it boasts stunning underwater visuals and imaginative worldbuilding, it’s not just about adventure. The show tackles themes of displacement, scientific obsession, and the trauma of colonization with surprising depth. The storytelling blends myth and machinery, with episodes ranging from pulse-pounding submarine warfare to meditative, nearly wordless explorations of underwater ruins.
Shazad Latif’s Nemo is magnetic — not a hero, not a villain, but something far more tragic. He’s cold and calculating, yet driven by pain and principle. The supporting cast shines too, particularly Georgia Flood as a spirited journalist who becomes entangled in Nemo’s cause, and Thierry Frémont as a ruthless Royal Navy admiral pursuing him across oceans.
The production design is breathtaking. The Nautilus itself is a marvel — part cathedral, part war machine — filled with secret libraries, laboratories, and glowing engines powered by arcane science. Composer Natalie Holt delivers a haunting, orchestral score that surges like the sea itself.
While it may move slowly for those expecting nonstop action, Nautilus (2024) rewards patience with rich storytelling, compelling characters, and a narrative that transforms a classic into something fresh and relevant. It’s less a swashbuckling romp and more a meditation on grief, genius, and rebellion beneath the waves.
The final episode ends with Nemo gazing into the abyss, muttering the words: “The surface world has drowned in its own pride. Down here, we begin again.”
A second season hasn’t been confirmed, but with this kind of depth, Nautilus may yet rise again.
