James Wan Discusses The Tone of AQUAMAN and Directors’ Creative Freedom at DC Films

We recently heard from Aquaman director James Wan about his approach to the DC Comics character, and now, the filmmaker has elaborated on his vision. In an interview with LA Times, Wan discusses exactly what sort of tone he wants to capture with Aquaman, as well as having creative freedoms within the DC Extended Universe.

Wan reaffirms that Warner Bros. intends to make the DCEU a filmmaker-friendly mega-franchise, with each director having plenty of creative freedom on his or her film. “Well, like Zack [Snyder] said, from Day One, Warner has always said to me that we are a filmmaker-driven studio and we want each of the DC characters to have the stamp and the trademark of the filmmakers that they’ve picked to come shepherd it.” Wan then compares working within the DCEU to playing in a sandbox. “As I’ve always said, whether it’s at Marvel or at DC, they have that sandbox. That sandbox is in place. So you have to come in there and play within their sandbox. But the key here is to build your own sandcastle. And make that sandcastle yours.”

As for what sort of tone he wants to bring to his “sandcastle,” Wan says that he’s interested in a “swashbuckling” vibe for Aquaman. “I would love to capture the fun spirit of high-sea adventures, treasure hunts, sea monsters. That’s the spirit that I’m going for. Swashbuckling.” For Wan’s comments on the benefits of DC’s television shows not existing in the same universe as the films, click HERE.

Aquaman will hit theaters on July 27th, 2018. Jason Momoa and Amber Heard star.