Aquaman 2 director James Wan promises more horror in the sequel

An underwater scene featuring sharks drawing chariots from AQUAMAN.
An underwater scene featuring sharks drawing chariots from AQUAMAN. /
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Aquaman 2 director James Wan has confirmed that he can’t help but bring his horror sensibilities to the DC film sequel.  

2018’s Aquaman was a surprise hit, much of it down to the charismatic presence of Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry, and director James Wan’s unique vision. Wan, best known for reviving the horror genre with his Saw film in 2004, added flair and horror to the DC Extended Universe film. And, fans can expect more of that in the sequel film, Aquaman 2.

Speaking at a recent DC event, Wan was asked by a fan if he will be adding more ‘horror touches’ when he returns to the franchise. CBR.com shared Wan’s answer, which was an emphatic ‘yes’. He mentioned that there will be a ‘bit of that’ in the next one.

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Wan on why he will add horror in Aquaman 2

Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Amber Heard as Mera in AQUAMAN.
Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Amber Heard as Mera in AQUAMAN. /

Wan has cut his Hollywood teeth with several horror hits, including the aforementioned Saw film, as well as the Insidious and The Conjuring franchises. He can’t help but include his ‘horror sensibilities’ in the film.

One of the standout scenes in Aquaman was the ‘Trench scene’. A fan-favourite, it was cinematographically arresting, but more than being a spectacle, the scene added to the action and claustrophobic horror of what the characters were facing. There were rumors that Wan would headline a film featuring the creatures from the Trench, but there have been no updates about the same.

Wan made an interesting point in his reply to the fan – a movie set in underwater worlds can be quite scary. If you have Thalassophobia, you’ll agree with Wan’s observation. Considering the everlasting love for Jaws, and the numerous shark- and water-themed horror films that it has spawned, Wan’s undoubtedly hit upon a classic combination that he can work his magic with.

Aquaman 2 is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2022. So far, the returning cast members confirmed are Jason Momoa, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Orm/ Ocean Master and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta.

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Are you excited to see more horror in James Wan’s Aquaman 2? Let us know in the comments below.