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James Wan Frontrunner to Direct AQUAMAN for Warner Bros.

A few months ago, it was reported that Warner Bros. was looking to hire James Wan to direct a DC Comics movie. Many assumed that the movie in question was Shazam; Wan has connections to New Line Cinema, and he recently worked with Dwayne Johnson on the box office smash Furious 7. However, it turns out that Wan is being considered for another DC adaptation: Aquaman.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wan is the frontrunner to direct Warner Bros.’ Aquaman movie, which is set to hit theaters July 27th, 2018. Jason Momoa will star as the King of Atlantis, while Will Beall and Kurt Johnstad are writing two separate scripts. Meanwhile, Karl Urban is rumored to be wanted for a supporting role, possibly the villain. While Wan has yet to be offered the gig, he has had preliminary talks with WB about the film, and he is the studio’s top choice.

However, there are a few potential obstacles to closing a deal. Universal will likely want to move forward with another Fast & Furious film very soon, and Wan may or may not direct it. (THR’s sources say Wan is not expected to direct the eighth installment, but apparently, he does have an option for another movie.) Also, Wan is set to shoot his sequel to The Conjuring this fall, and that may cut into prep for Aquaman.

Additionally, Wan is the third name we’ve heard regarding the Aquaman director. Jeff Nichols was originally labeled as a contender, while WB is/was also reportedly considering Noam Murro.

If Wan does sign on to direct Aquaman, he joins an impressive selection of directors working within the DC Cinematic Universe. Zack Snyder is directing Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and a two-part Justice League, while David Ayer is helming Suicide Squad and Michelle MacLaren is directing Wonder Woman. Meanwhile, Chris Miller and Phil Lord, who are writing a story treatment for The Flash, are being sought after to direct that movie as well. And recent rumors suggest that WB is courting John Wick duo Chad Stahelski and David Leitch for an unspecified installment.

Stay tuned for more as we have it.

Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WOBAM! Entertainment.