There can be little doubt that the DC Comics live action film universe is on shakey ground these days. Poor critical reception, audience indifference, and most importantly falling box office returns have left WB/DC trying to figure out a way to course correct. This has been even further hampered by the rumored departures of both Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck from the roles of Superman and Batman.
They have now begun focusing on films outside of their currently established continuity. They have numerous projects like that in development but there are still remnants of what they were trying to do in the pipeline, the upcoming SHAZAM and the follow up to their biggest hit of this whole endevour so far, WONDER WOMAN 1984...
... Oh. and then there's AQUAMAN as well. The James Wan (THE CONJURING series) directed film has always had an uphill battle. Your average person still sees Aquaman as the corny character in the old SUPERFRIENDS cartoon. Despite a rich history in comics and in more modern animated films/shows, he is seen as a punchline about the inherent silliness of superheroes. Casting Jason Momoa (HBO's GAME OF THRONES) as the titular character and surrounding him with a solid cast of supporting players was a step in the right direction to fix that perception.
Truthfully though, the last trailer released for the film really underwhelmed me. There is still plenty of time though before the film's Winter release to change perceptions like mine.
Which leads us to the newest, extended trailer, released today to coincide with New York Comic Con. Will it be an improvement?
Let's have a look:
Looks like an improvement! I really like the Black Manta footage and the stuff with the battle at the end.
It's also pretty cool to see Momoa in the classic costume at the end of the trailer. It reinforces that they are trying to make these movies actually fun.
What do you guys think? Into this ...or would you rather Marvel gets the rights back to Namor and show 'em how it's done? Let us know!
AQUAMAN swims into theaters December 21st.
- Matthew Essary
(aka "Wheels")
