Ladies and gentlemen, the next film in the DC Cinematic Universe is now officially in production. WhileJustice LeagueandWonder Womansomewhat overlapped production schedules last year, all’s been quiet for the last few months as Warner Bros. has worked to shore up scripts and talent for other future films likeThe Batman,Nightwing, andDark Universe. Those films are still a ways off from actually beginning production, but now nearly two years afterJames Wanofficially signed on to directAquaman, cameras are rolling on the superhero standalone film down in Australia.
Wan marked the occasion by sharing the first set photo, which you’re able to see below. It appears they’re shooting on a submarine set for now, and the slate confirms the film’s production titleAhab. Wan was a curious choice to direct as his resume is mostly filled with horror films likeSaw,Insidious, andThe Conjuring, but he proved he could handle a major blockbuster by steering the incredibly difficult production ofFurious 7. He cleansed his palate a bit after that by going small-scale forThe Conjuring 2while he developedAquaman, but now Wan is ready to bring the superhero to life.
Jason Momoaplays the titular character, who we first caught a glimpse of inBatman v Supermanand who has a supporting role in this November’sJustice League. But Wan has filled out the cast nicely withAmber Heardas Mera,Nicole Kidmanas Aquaman’s mother Queen Atlanta,Dolph Lundgrenas King Nereus,Willem Dafoeas Nuidis Vulko,Yahya Abdul-Mateen IIas Black Manta, andPatrick Wilsonas the film’s primary villain, Aquaman’s half-brother Orm.
Wan is working with some interesting behind-the-scenes talent as well, includingRobert Zemeckis’ frequent cinematographerDon Burgesswhose credits range fromForrest GumptoCast AwaytoSpider-Man, and who recently worked with Wan onThe Conjuring 2. Wan also reunites with hisFurious 7production designerBill Brzeski, and this is indeed one of the ways the DCEU separates itself from the MCU—most Marvel films have craftspeople who are well-versed in bringing other MCU movies to life, while Wan seems to have the freedom to choose basically whoever he wants as his DP, production designer, etc.
I’m really eager to get a look at this thing, but it’ll likely be a while. For now, check out the first set photo below.Aquamanopens in theaters on July 03, 2025.
