One of the big questions DC Films has to grapple with is how they’ll pivot from the Very Serious and Very Important attitude of “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice” and “Suicide Squad,” to something a bit more….fun. Certainly, Geoff Johns and co. have been promising sunnier days are ahead, and if things go the way James Wan wants them to, “Aquaman” is aiming to go big on adventure while staying light on its feet, tonally speaking.
Catching up with Entertainment Tonight, the filmmaker revealed a couple of surprising references for the feel that he’s aiming for with the Jason Momoa vehicle.
“I kind of don’t want to give too much away but know this: The spirit that I’m going for is like a classic sort of swashbuckling action adventure, sort of high seas adventure story,” Wan teased. “It’s ultimately a quest story in the spirit of ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark‘ meets ‘Romancing the Stone.’ ”
Those are some very interesting touchstone films, and frankly, it’s the right approach. Aquaman is kind of a goofy character and leaning into that, instead of trying to play it straight, will likely make it easier for audiences to come along for the ride with the superhero who rules the open seas. On paper, it’s a savvy move by Wan, but as always, how it plays out in front of the camera is an entirely different thing.
Thoughts? Let us know below. “Aquaman” opens on July 27, 2018, though the character will appear first in “Justice League” next year, with Wan saying that it’ll just be “scratching the surface” of what’s coming in the solo outing.