Abstract: The Banda subduction zone lies at the eastern end of the Southeast Asian Curved Subduction System. It is notable for its nearly 180° curvature, among the greatest documented worldwide, and for its complex kinematics. The origin of this curvature remains under debate. Two main models have been proposed. The “dual-plate model” emphasizes interactions among multiple plates and the subduction of microplates. The “single-plate rollback model” links the strong curvature to continued subduction and rollback of the Indo-Australian plate. Recent geophysical observations, including seismic tomography, image a laterally continuous and strongly curved slab. These results further support slab rollback as a primary control. Numerical and analogue modeling are widely used to investigate mantle dynamics and surface responses. However, most existing models assume simple plate geometries. They therefore cannot fully represent the role of the irregular continental margin along the northern Australian plate. This paper reviews recent progress on the highly curved Banda subduction zone and outlines priorities for future work. In particular, it calls for three-dimensional, lithosphere-scale analogue modeling with realistic plate geometry and rheological structure. Such models can quantify how continental lithospheric geometry, mantle flow, and collision jointly shape arcuate subduction zones. They can also provide key experimental constraints on the underlying dynamics.