James Wan Reveals Exciting Details about Aquaman 2 Despite DC Upheaval

The first trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was publicly revealed on Thursday, following a private screening for the press the day before. Director James Wan presented the trailer and addressed various aspects of the film during a nearly thirty-minute session, covering topics such as the handling of Amber Heard's character and how it acknowledges or disregards recent changes at DC Studios.

One significant change is the new leadership of James Gunn and producer Peter Safran at DC, who are currently working on rebooting the universe of DC films. This reboot comes as a response to a series of underwhelming box office performances, which is surprising considering the franchise's potential for success. As a sequel to a movie released five years ago, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may seem like a remnant of the existing franchise rather than a part of the upcoming direction. However, it's possible that this discussion is ultimately irrelevant.

"I am fully aware of everything happening around me. I often compare it to living in a house undergoing renovations. It is difficult not to be aware of the changes taking place. However, that's the charm of Aquaman 2 and Aquaman 1. From the beginning, I intended these two films to exist in their own world. The advantage of not being connected to a larger universe is that whatever happens elsewhere has no impact on my movie.

"As you can see in this film, it is entirely independent and detached from any external elements. This approach worked well for us in the first film, and we are sticking to it. So, while there may be rumors circulating, I am content in my own underwater kingdom."

James Wan addresses Mera's status in Aquaman 2

Amber Heard's personal issues have overshadowed her involvement with DC, leading to speculation that her character, Mera, will have a smaller role in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. However, director James Wan has clarified that the shift in focus to Aquaman's relationship with his brother, Orn, was always part of the plan. While Mera is an important character in the Aquaman comics, Wan aims to respect all the characters and provide them with justice. After exploring Arthur and Mera's story in the first film, he now wants to delve into Arthur and Orn's dynamic in the upcoming sequel.

Wan stated that Arthur and Orn serve as the primary protagonists, with the other characters adding depth to their world.

In jest, Wan attributed his focus on Arthur and Orn to his experience directing Furious 7.

"I learned about the importance of family from the film Fast and Furious," Wan remarked. "The portrayal of family in this movie was incredibly significant to me. And we owe Vin [Diesel] for that."

What's the deal with Black Manta and his new Black Trident?

Black Manta, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, played a secondary antagonist in the initial film. However, he is now taking the spotlight in the upcoming sequel, thanks to a new weapon: a gleaming, jagged Black Trident that will grant him the strength to go head-to-head with Aquaman.

Wan explained that his initial intention for the first movie was to establish the relationship with the character in a supporting role. However, he always planned for the character to have a more significant role in the second movie. After the events of the first movie, Manta becomes obsessed with seeking revenge on Arthur Curry and destroying everything he has built. Throughout his relentless pursuit, he discovers something of great importance while trying to repair his damaged power suit from the previous film.

Wan explained that this man has undergone a remarkable transformation due to something greater.

"In the initial film, he was clearly a mere mortal, which he remains in this sequel. However, after coming across the forgotten realm, he now possesses newfound strength that was absent in the first movie. Consequently, he is finally capable of directly facing Arthur Curry, who happens to be a superhuman being."

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will "tee up" Aquaman 3

Is Wan Ready for a Third Aquaman Film?

Wan, known for his limited involvement in sequels, might be making an exception with Aquaman. While he remains tight-lipped about his potential return, he assures fans that the groundwork for a third Aquaman movie is being laid.

According to Wan, "The Jason Momoa story as Aquaman definitely has more places to go. Where we go at the end of this movie, it does tee up something bigger--not bigger, but it does tee up a direction for that story." However, given the complex situation at DC, it's uncertain how this will ultimately unfold.

Yes, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will feature a climate change allegory

During a discussion, Wan emphasized the role of Aquaman as a guardian of the oceans and the environment. He revealed that the upcoming Aquaman sequel will address the issue of real-world climate change.

"We have something significant to convey. Look around, we are witnessing one of the hottest summers ever, not just in the US, but globally. In this movie, we truly delve into this shifting environment, and Arthur must collaborate with his brother to prevent it from spiraling into utter catastrophe," explained Wan.

The scientists are referring to the tipping point - our goal is to avoid reaching this point, despite some experts claiming that we have already surpassed it. It is crucial that we prevent reaching this point without the ability to reverse its effects. This is a significant theme, though we aim to avoid sounding preachy. However, we are not hesitant to address this topic, as it is essential to discuss even within the context of an enjoyable adventure movie. Watch out for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, coming to theaters on December 20.