Aquaman 2 Features Ben Affleck’s Batman? Director Reveals The Truth
After months of speculation, James Wan confirmed that Aquaman 2 will not feature an appearance from Ben Affleck as Batman. Speaking to Empire, the director explained why the actor was spotted on set in July 2022. “All I’ll say is that those scenes were just to have something in the bank in case we needed to explain time continuity if we came out before The Flash,” he said.
Aquman 2 director James Wan says Ben Affleck does not appear in the movie, and that scenes with the actor were filmed in case The Flash came out after the sequel.
Citing continuity confusion is just one of the challenges in Aquaman 2. Amber Heard previously claimed that her role as Mera had been cut down due to the highly publicized legal battle with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.Wan addressed the situation, saying that the film’s focus was always going to be Arthur and Orm’s relationship – not Arthur and Mera.
The film’s star, Jason Momoa, was also accused of inappropriate behavior and intoxication on set. Despite all the bad press threatening to overshadow Aquaman 2, Wan told Empire that he finds a way to tune out the noise and focus on the job. “I’m a pretty private person,” he said. “I don’t get on social media and have fights, but it’s difficult because this narrative has emerged that is not the reality.”
“The noise is fun to write about, and it gets clicks, but people don’t know the truth,” Wan continued. After Aquaman 2, Wan will end his involvement with DC as James Gunn and Peter Safran take over. Gunn has talked openly about the choices he’ll make when he has complete creative control, like deciding what is considered canon and which actors will or won’t come back.
“They both lost their mothers, and that’s one of the emotional vessels of the movie. That’s where the Affleck Batman kicks in.”
-Andy Muschietti on the connections between The Flash and Batman
Ben Affleck decided to hang up his Batman suit in 2019, long before Aquaman 2, due to the toll the role took on his professional and personal life. However, fans were pleasantly surprised when news broke about his unexpected return as the Caped Crusader in The Flash. In an interview with Vanity Fair at the time, director Andy Muschietti praised Affleck’s portrayal of the character.
Muschietti also emphasized the significance of Ben Affleck’s role in The Flash movie, describing him as a vital part of the film’s emotional impact. While the central story revolves around Barry, the Scarlett Speedster shares a deep connection with Batman. “They both lost their mothers, and that’s one of the emotional vessels of the movie. That’s where the Affleck Batman kicks in,” the director said.
Directed by James Wan from a script by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Aquaman 2 will see Black Manta attempt to defeat Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and avenge his father’s death. This time, the villain will be wielding the power of the mythical Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient evil force upon Atlantis. To save his home, Arthur asks his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, for help.
“The noise is fun to write about, and it gets clicks, but people don’t know the truth.”
-James Wan on the reports about Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Aquaman 2 recently had its release date pushed back to December 22, following the traditional three-day opening weekend just before Christmas, as opposed to its initial five-day premiere window. This shift marks the third time The Lost Kingdom has seen its release date altered. Initially, the movie was scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day but was moved up to December 20 in April.
The latest premiere reshuffle for Aquaman 2 follows earlier rumors that the sequel might be delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Now, The Lost Kingdom is set to make its debut during a bustling holiday season for Warner Bros, which includes the release of Wonka on December 15, as well as the reboot of The Color Purple on December 25.
