If a director can make Aquaman look cool, then you better give them a blank check for the sequel. With the massive success of Aquaman so far, a blank check isn’t that far from reality for director James Wan. According to Deadline, Wan may return for the sequel. The site states that Wan would have the ability to select the writing staff and then decide if he wants to direct the sequel or not.
I don’t know who his agent his, but I’m getting him for my next negotiation.
The news of Warner Bros. attempt to keep James Wan around shouldn’t be a surprise. As of this writing, Aquaman has made $309 million domestically and a whopping $1 billion (with a B!) worldwide. Most importantly, the success shows there is an audience for the DC brand. After the extremely embarrassing showing by Justice League, there were questions about if the DC cinematic universe was dead in the water. Well, part of it is. The grim-dark filter associated with the DC comics movies has slowly been shaved away to reveal that these characters live in vibrant, otherworldly, and colorful locations. As it turns out, people really want to see those amazing locations with the characters they have been enjoying since they were kids. Wonder Woman opened the door for a new wave of fun DC movies, and Aquaman barreled through. Shazam in the spring should then do clean up duty and to cement DC movies as fun again.
Is there a chance James Wan cannot return? Well, there is always a chance until he officially sits in the director’s chair. However, the quote below about his other franchise Insidious shows that he tends to stay invested once he puts in the hours to make the foundation of a universe.
I couldn’t be happier to see Aquaman 2 and James Wan back. Anyone who can put a spotlight on Jason Mamoa and make him a megastar is ok in my book.
