2018
- The Flash (dir. Rick Famuyiwa)
- TBA 2018
- Ezra Miller, Kiersey Clemons
While Aquaman may actually benefit from the low expectations for the character, The Flash might suffer from the opposite issue: living up to The CW’s popular “The Flash” series. But, like Aquaman, there’s a talented director and a gifted star at the foundation, which is as good a reason as any to be optimistic about the speedster’s solo flick.
It’s March 16, 2018, release date was hijacked by the Alicia Vikander-led The Tomb Raider, so it is currently unscheduled. With a treatment from Phil Lord & Chris Miller and a script by Seth Grahame-Smith, casting is underway (Kiersey Clemons will play Iris West) and production is set to kick off as soon as this fall/winter. That means a spring 2018 release is still likely though, like Aquaman’s date, it remains fluid. As for the story, cast breakdowns reported by Umberto made it seem as if the film would adapt the broad strokes of the first season of “The Flash” with Reverse-Flash et all. But others have said there may be a team of villains and Cyborg may join.
- Aquaman (dir. James Wan)
- July 27, 2018
- Jason Momoa, Amber Heard
My most anticipated DC film is Aquaman, thanks to the badass combination of Jason Momoa and James Wan. Firstly, I’m one of those guys who finds the ocean more interesting than space. Secondly, Wan has been a vocal spokesman for the project despite the narrative and rumors of his apprehension. And thirdly, not only is he one of the most promising genre directors of the moment, the lineup of an Asian director, a black director (Famuyiwa) and a female director (Jenkins) tackling big superhero solo films alongside distinguished directors like Affleck is a big reason I think the DCEU narrative has a powerful chance of changing (if WB stops shooting itself in the foot).
Last year, it was said the villain would be the Ocean Master, Aquaman’s half-brother with whom he warred over the Atlantean throne. However, no doubt realizing it was a carbon copy of Thor and Loki from the MCU, that changed with a post-BvS page-one rewrite by Will Beall. Umberto reported at TheWrap last week that the villain is now Black Manta. It’s also possible the Ocean Master character could be set up for a villainous descent in a sequel, much like how Doctor Strange seems to be setting up Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Baron Mordo.
