Earlier today, it was announced that The Conjuring director James Wan had officially signed on for the horror film’s sequel, which was recently delayed and is now slated for release in 2016. However, buried in that news story was a little hint pointing toward another project on Wan’s slate: A DC Comics film.
Wan’s Conjuring 2 directing gig comes with a nice producing deal at New Line Cinema, but Warner Brothers is interested in keeping him behind the camera for as long as possible. They see him as “an emerging major filmmaker” and they hope he will grow in that capacity on their lot. So, what better way to keep Wan around for a bit longer than hand him the reins to one of the recently-announced high profile comic book films slated for release between 2016 and 2020?
The director will reportedly “make an important movie for New Line and Warner Bros or DC., and that is definitely part of the plan and a reason for bringing him into the family.” Now the only question is, which DC hero will he bring to the big screen?
Many have already assumed that Wan’s film will be Shazam, the only project that was initially announced as a New Line production. However, the Warner Bros. press release announcing the new DC slate states that all of the films will be co-produced by New Line, so that opens up a slew of additional possibilities.
We know that Zack Snyder is helming both upcoming Justice League projects after Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, and that David Ayer is set to direct Suicide Squad. With Ben Affleck all but confirmed to helm the next solo Batman movie (whenever that comes out), that leaves Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman, Shazam, Cyborg, the next solo Superman movie and the Green Lantern reboot up for grabs.
While Shazam would be a safe bet, especially considering Wan’s past working relationship with star Dwayne Johnson on Fast & Furious 6 and Fast and Furious 7, I would honestly rather he helm something like The Flash. That project is coming out sooner (in 2018 compared to 2019), and would benefit from Wan’s visual style and firm handle on gripping action sequences. Plus, that movie already has a star in The Perks of Being a Wallflower‘s Ezra Miller, so it might be a bit further along than Shazam.
Of course, that’s just speculation on my part, so we’ll just have to sit back and wait to find out what DC film Wan is helming. In any case, this is another win for Warner Brothers, who continue showing a devotion to bringing talented people to work on these movies, both in front of the camera and behind it.
Tell us, what DC movie would you like to see James Wan direct? Sound off in the comments section below.