Exclusive Insights: Aquaman 3 Odds Revealed by Director Amidst Controversy

Summary

James Wan, director of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, is open to directing Aquaman 3 if given the same creative freedom as the previous films.

The future of the Aquaman franchise hangs in the balance due to the altered direction of the DC Universe and the underwhelming reception of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

There is a chance that the Aquaman franchise will undergo a complete revamp, potentially resulting in Jason Momoa stepping down from his role as the iconic hero. Instead, there is speculation that he may portray another character within the DC Universe, such as Lobo.

James Wan, the director of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, has addressed the potential to helm Aquaman 3 amid initial resistance towards DC Studios' upcoming 2023 sequel. James Gunn and Peter Safran's reboot of the DCEU into the new DC Universe has left the fate of Jason Momoa's character, Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman, uncertain. Despite the enduring popularity of Momoa's Aquaman in the DCEU timeline, the franchise's reputation has suffered due to recent disappointing projects, leading to doubts about the success of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and potentially jeopardizing the possibility of Aquaman 3.

In an interview with Empire Magazine, James Wan, the director of both Aquaman films, has shared his thoughts on the idea of a third installment in the DC Universe. While expressing his willingness to take on another project, Wan acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the new direction of DC Studios' rebooted franchise. Nonetheless, there is a possibility that Gunn and Safran might invite him back to direct Aquaman 3 in the new DC Universe, and Wan remains open to the prospect, adopting a "never say never" attitude.

I have never directed a third movie in a series before, therefore I would consider doing another Aquaman film if I am provided with the same level of creative control that I have enjoyed in the first two movies. However, I am uncertain about the plans of James Gunn and Peter Safran, so it is difficult to predict the future. I have learned to never rule anything out completely.

Will Aquaman Be Rebooted In Gunn & Safran’s DC Universe?

There is a possibility that James Wan may return to direct a reboot of Aquaman in the DC Universe, even if Jason Momoa does not reprise his role as the main character. While Aquaman (2018) was a huge success for the DCEU, earning over $1 billion worldwide, expectations for the 2023 sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, are not as high. The production of the film has been surrounded by controversy, which could potentially impact its performance. Since the movie is being released as the final project in the DCEU, audiences may have already written off Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The anticipated underwhelming response to the film suggests that a reboot may be in the works.

Source: Empire Magazine/Variety