Aquaman 2 Director Addresses Inclusion of Ben Affleck’s Batman in the Movie

Aquaman 2 director James Wan’s recent comments have sparked discussions about the future of Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Wan’s insights into the production of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom suggest that Affleck’s appearance in The Flash might have been his swan song as the iconic Caped Crusader.

Despite earlier revelations by Jason Momoa, who plays Aquaman, about Ben Affleck’s Batman featuring in Aquaman 2, James Wan has provided a more pessimistic update. According to Wan, the decision to include Batman in the film seems less likely, driven by the narrative’s apparent independence within the established multiverse. Even with scenes reportedly filmed with both Ben Affleck’s Batman and Michael Keaton’s Batman, the necessity of including these iconic characters in Aquaman 2 is questioned, especially given the film’s position within the larger DCEU timeline.

During an interview with Empire, Wan was asked directly about the inclusion of Batman in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Wan responded with a tentative “probably not,” shedding light on the filmmaking decision-making process. He explained that the scenes featuring Batman were initially filmed as a precautionary measure to have something in reserve for potential explanations of time continuity, particularly if Aquaman 2 had been released before The Flash. However, with The Flash preceding Aquaman 2, Wan indicated that the need for Batman in the sequel might be rendered unnecessary, suggesting a self-contained narrative within the broader multiverse.

Interestingly, Wan expressed uncertainty about the film’s character lineup and narrative timeline, raising questions about the cohesion of the DCEU. Despite this uncertainty, Wan hinted at his willingness to return for a third Aquaman film if granted the creative freedom he enjoyed with the first two installments. However, this declaration comes against a backdrop of ongoing controversies, including behind-the-scenes drama and test screenings for Aquaman 2, as well as the evolving nature of the DC timeline that Wan has had to navigate.

The challenges facing Aquaman 2 extend beyond creative decisions, with external factors such as controversies surrounding Amber Heard, who portrays Mera, contributing to the film’s tumultuous production. Recent revelations from Heard’s therapist about her turbulent relationship with both Momoa and Wan on set add another layer of complexity to the film’s narrative. The film’s release has faced constant delays, and the changing landscape of the DC timeline has added further complications for Wan and his team.

The broader context of the DCEU also plays a role in the discussions surrounding Aquaman 2. Critics and fans alike have pointed to a perceived lack of strategic planning, contrasting it with the meticulous attention to detail seen in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. The absence of a cohesive overarching plan has led some to view recent DC films as reflecting corporate decisions rather than a carefully constructed narrative.

As Aquaman 2 approaches its scheduled release date on December 22, 2023, the uncertainties surrounding its production and the challenges faced by the DCEU will undoubtedly shape its reception. The film’s performance at the box office will be closely scrutinized, with the outcome potentially influencing the trajectory of the DC cinematic universe, especially in the wake of the recent struggles faced by The Flash. The question remains whether Jason Momoa’s star power and the success of the first Aquaman film will propel Aquaman 2 to triumph or if it will face a fate similar to recent DC releases, contributing to the ongoing discourse about the direction of the DCEU.

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