STACK #166 Aug 2018

WE’RE PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

DC

Warner Bros.’ Hall H presentation revealed that the future is looking brighter for the DCEU, with the vibrant fantasy Aquaman and family comedy Shazam ! – and of course, the return of Wonder Woman.

J ames Wan’s Aquaman could be the breakout film the DCEU needs if the footage screened at Comic-Con is any indication. Wan explained how he wanted a more unique look for his DC movie, describing it as “playing more like a science fiction/ fantasy film than a superhero movie.”

very important part of our movie.” Despite being only three weeks into production, Jenkins was eager to unveil some footage, albeit in a rough-cut, featuring armed goons on the wrong end of the Lasso of Truth in a 1980s shopping mall. Gadot described 1984 as a whole new movie, not a sequel, with the WW stories sticking to comic book canon, while Jenkins clarified the film’s ‘80s setting. “I grew up in the ‘80s, and this has its own look and feel. It was mankind at its best and worst. To have Wonder Woman in that period of time that was us at our most extreme is wonderful. She is now at her full powers and we’re raising the bar.

Aquaman opens on Boxing Day, and with no competition from Star Wars , looks set to steer the DCEU back on course. Shazam! also looks to buck the trend of bleakness set by prior DC films, with its comedic tone and childish superhero. With a focus on family-friendly hijinks, it could well be DC’s equivalent of Ant-Man . Chuck star Zachary Levi throws himself into the role of the super-powered adult (well, physically) incarnation of 14-year- old Billy Batson (Asher Angel), whose powers are bestowed upon him by the eponymous wizard. “This is complete wish- fulfillment,” he told the audience, “this 14-year-old me that got to put on a cape and fly. This whole movie is about wish-fulfillment.” Levi calls Shazam! the type of hero the world needs right now. “I love that I got to be that child. That there’s still optimism in him; that’s why the wizard picked him, because of his heart.” Currently in post-production, Shazam! punches into cinemas April 2019. Hall H loves Wonder Woman, with director Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Chris Pine greeted by rapturous applause as they took to the stage to present follow-up Wonder Woman 1984 . How Pine’s character,

in her introductory scene, while telling Wan: “The bigger the better, come on James, give it to me. That’s why I’m doing this movie.” Momoa, who almost stole Justice League from the rest of the ensemble, calls his solo film “a beautiful origin story,” and he could also be stealing roles from Dwayne Johnson if Aquaman is

Jason Momoa, Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman

a hit. His only regret in hindsight was wearing denim. “They look like leather pants but they’re not.” Patrick Wilson, who plays Aquaman’s half-brother and nemesis, Orm, praised Wan’s commitment to story and character, having worked with the director previously on

The first trailer revealed the undersea kingdom of Atlantis as a vibrant combination of Pandora, Middle-earth, Asgard and The Little Mermaid on steroids. Moreover, Wan also debuted footage exclusive to Hall H, featuring a fluid rooftop chase sequence that demonstrates his dynamic flair for action. Joining Wan and Jason Momoa on the panel were Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Addul-Manteen and Nicole Kidman, making her Comic-Con debut. Kidman, who plays Aquaman’s mother, Queen Atlanna, recalled lying on a rock being drenched by massive waves

Patty Jenkins, Chris Pine and Gal Gadot

“The thing that mattered to me the most is I wanted to make great movies in my lifetime, and I found myself saying I have these characters I love and this world that I love and we can make a movie about something completely new, pure, strong and as unique as the first one.”

the Insidious and Conjuring films. “You guys are going to be so thrilled we’re pushing the envelope here.”

Steve Trevor, survived the events of the first movie, was an elephant in

the room that wasn’t addressed. However,

Jenkins stressed that “[Chris] is a

Wonder Woman 1984 is due November 2019.

Shazam!

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