Shortly after the success of the first “Aquaman” film, it was indicated the film’s director James Wan was developing not just a direct sequel to that film but also a more horror-oriented spin-off called “The Trench”.
That spin-off was reportedly based on the monstrous undersea race called The Trench which were glimpsed in one of the film’s most famous sequences involving Aquaman and Mera on a boat in the middle of a storm.
Ultimately the spin-off was canceled and Warners proceeded with the straight sequel “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” which is currently filming with Wan at the helm.
Taking a break from the shoot, Wan posted an update on Instagram this week and in a reply to a user question, and revealed the following (via Gizmodo): “I’ll let you in on a secret, the canceled Trench spin-off movie was going to be a secret Black Manta movie.”
Turns out the whole ‘Trench’ movie was a smokescreen for a potential spin-off focusing on “Candyman” and “Watchmen” star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s breakout role as the villain Black Manta.
With Warners indicating they’re keen to get DC Film adaptations made not just for theatrical release but for direct-to-HBO Max as well, this is a possibility that could rise again.
The talk comes as Wan’s “Malignant” came to VOD this past weekend, while Abdul-Mateen II is currently reprising the Black Manta role for the “Aquaman” sequel due out Christmas next year.
