James Wan’s recent comments have further fueled the hype for the eagerly anticipated sequel. While it remains unknown if fans will see Batman in an underwater setting, it has been established that the picture will function as a standalone within the DC Universe. With the film’s release date still pending, spectators are left waiting to see how everything will come together.
Aquaman 2, the upcoming DC film, has been generating excitement among fans. Speculations regarding a prospective Batman appearance have piqued people’s interest. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director James Wan recently offered his thoughts on these rumours, stating:
“The tricky thing early on was not knowing whether Aquaman would come out first or come out after [The Flash]. So, we just had to be prepared.”
Wan went on to say that the upcoming fantasy picture has no ties to the previous films in the DC universe and mentioned:
“At the end of the day, the best thing I can say about this film is that it has nothing to do with any of those films. That’s the bottom line.”
However, when asked directly about Batman’s presence in Aquaman 2, Wan remained tight-lipped and emphasised that fans will have to wait until the film’s theatrical premiere in December 2023.
The Hollywood Reporter recently revealed additional details about significant changes made to the film, including reshooting scenes with Batman. Initially, Michael Keaton was cast as the legendary role, but Ben Affleck was picked instead.
According to the same article, James Gunn and Peter Safran asked that all references to Ben Affleck’s Batman be removed in order to “prevent teases for future films that will not be made,” as well as to differentiate this film from the previous year’s DCEU. Following the modifications, insiders have described the picture as “chaotic” as a result of the recent developments.
James Wan highlighted that Aquaman 2 was always meant to be a self-contained film to which he further gave insights and mentioned:
“Well, Aquaman – even the first film – has always been a very standalone film. That was always our approach: that it kind of lives in its own world, and that’s kind of how we’ve approached The Lost Kingdom as well.”
Aquaman 2 will include a stellar ensemble of familiar characters, including Jason Mamoa as Arthur Curry aka Aquaman, Patrick Wilson as King Orm, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as David Kane aka the Black Manta.
Dolf Lundgren as King Nereus, Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry, Amber Heard as Mera, and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, among others, will join them.
The film is directed by James Van and written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Mort Weisinger, and Paul Norris. Peter Safran, James Wan, Michael Clear, and Rob Cowan are in charge of the production.
Aquaman 2 is slated to release on December 20, 2023.
