Here's Why James Wan Was Chosen to Direct Aquaman

When James Wan was announced as the director for December's Aquaman movie, fans were a bit surprised. The director had made his name through horror films like Saw and The Conjuring, which don't have much in common with superhero movies. They do have one thing in common though; franchise potential, which is why Wan was hired to direct Arthur Curry's live-action solo film.

Toby Emmerich, the current film chairman of Warner Bros., recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly and said Wan's experience with franchises is why he was chosen. It's not just that he headed two big horror franchises in Saw and The Conjuring, but that he can also take what is established in an existing series and make it work, as fans who saw Furious 7 can attest to.

"He's a franchise maker and builder. I would give him credit for what became known as The Conjuring universe. He initiated the Saw franchise. And he initiated the Insidious franchise. And he built on the Fast and Furious franchise -- his film [Furious 7] was the highest grossing one. So when you think of franchise makers and franchise builders there are not many people who have that resume. That alone makes him an inspired choice. And he's also made many movies as a director and producer for us at Warner Bros. and at New Line. So we know him really well."

Admittedly, it is impressive how Wan was able to keep the Fast and Furious franchise alive with Furious 7. People were going to see it regardless since it was the final film that Paul Walker starred in but Wan did keep a lot of what fans like in the series and even expanded on them.

Here is hoping that he can inject some new life into the DCEU when Aquaman debuts later this year. After Justice League flopped big time in the box office, this could be the boost DC needs to get back in the game.

Read:Warner Bros. Film Head Calls Aquaman "Cool" And "Badass"