Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may have been pushed back to December 2022, but director James Wan has shared some new concept art from the film. Taking to social media, the filmmaker teased fans with a few images of concept art from the sequel.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has had a colorful production history. If for no other reason, Aquaman 2 has undergone reshoots to replace Michael Keaton's Batman, who was originally slated to appear in the film. Warner Bros. as a whole has been undergoing massive changes following its merger with Discovery and the installation of new CEO David Zaslav. The latest change to the film happened because the film reportedly needed more time in post-production, which means it will now release just a little over five years after the original Aquaman film was released in 2018.
To help quench fan excitement for the film, Wan shared the Aquaman 2 concept art on his Instagram. Writing that the film still has plenty more surprises for fans and that the art only scratches the surface of the 'weird and wonderful' world Wan and his production team are crafting. But what has been shown teases an action-packed plot and a glimpse at Aquaman's arch-enemy, Black Manta. The concept art illustrates a colorful, underwater world that's full of life - reefs and marine life abound. Sunken shipwrecks and lush scenery are also present.
Aquaman himself appears to be having a difficult time in the new movie, which shows no signs of slowing down. He's seen combating a giant jellyfish and confronting a woman who appears to be an octopus hybrid. A giant battle also appears to be unfolding in the film. Perhaps most tantalizing is the final image, which shows Aquaman crossing tridents with Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who's fully suited up after being teased at the end of the last Aquaman film.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom looks to be a promising venture. Interestingly, Ben Affleck's Batman will return in the film, despite much fan speculation that Affleck had finished playing the character and reports that the DCEU would be changing management going forward.
The movie has, however, been pushed back more than once. It's easy to see why fans may be weary of the franchise. Numerous reshoots usually do not bode well for a film, but that does not necessarily mean that Aquaman 2 won't do well. Zaslav's recent cancellations and change up of DC's film department might also be giving fans pause. For instance, Michael Keaton's role as Batman has increasingly been cut down, meaning Keaton may be done playing Batman entirely. A fan-favorite like Keaton quitting the universe will likely not endear fans to the new management.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will release in theaters on December 25, 2023.
Source: James Wan/Instagram