As the highly anticipated release of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” approaches, fans are left pondering the fate of a potential Aquaman 3. In a recent interview with Empire, director James Wan hinted at the possibility of his return for a third installment under a crucial condition—preserving the creative freedom that defined the first two films.
Wan, who has never ventured into directing a third movie in a series before, expressed openness to the idea but made it clear that the unique autonomy he enjoyed with “Aquaman” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” would be non-negotiable: “I’d be open to doing another [‘Aquaman’] if I got the same freedom I’ve had on these first two.”
The director acknowledged the evolving landscape of the DC Universe, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, emphasizing that the direction they take might not align with the potential vision for Aquaman 3: “I’m not sure what direction [Gunn and Safran] are going in, though, so who knows? I’ve learned to never say never.”
With the upcoming launch of the new DCU franchise through “Superman: Legacy” in 2025, featuring David Corenswet in the titular role, it appears that Aquaman may not be prominently featured in the initial wave of projects. Gunn and Safran’s Chapter 1 slate has been unveiled, and Aquaman is notably absent, raising questions about the character’s future in the evolving DC cinematic landscape.
While Aquaman’s return seems uncertain in the near future, fans can take solace in the knowledge that the character might resurface down the road in the unfolding chapters of the DCU. However, the absence of Aquaman from Chapter 1 suggests a prolonged wait for another standalone Aquaman movie, and the involvement of Jason Momoa remains uncertain.
Adding to the intrigue, rumors circulate that Momoa might embrace a different DCU character, with some insiders speculating his portrayal of the interstellar bounty hunter Lobo. As the cinematic universe undergoes a transformative phase, Aquaman enthusiasts may witness unexpected twists and turns, keeping the excitement alive even in the absence of a confirmed Aquaman 3.
For now, all eyes are on the imminent release of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” set to hit theaters on December 20, with the hope that it might not mark the end but rather a thrilling transition into the next chapter of Atlantis and beyond.
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