DC Aquaman James Gunn Plans Might Surprise Fans
- 01. James Gunn's Aquaman Plan: No Sequel, Possible Recast, No Immediate Return
- 02. Official Status of Jason Momoa's Aquaman in the DCU
- 03. Why Aquaman 3 Is Not Officially in Development
- 04. How the DCU's Aquaman Will Differ From Momoa's Version
- 05. James Gunn's 10-Year DCU Strategy and Where Aquaman Fits
- 06. Fan Surprises: What Might Unexpectedly Happen
- 07. Key Dates and Milestones in the Aquaman-DCU Timeline
- 08. What This Means for Fans and Future Storytelling
James Gunn's Aquaman Plan: No Sequel, Possible Recast, No Immediate Return
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn has confirmed there are no current plans for an Aquaman 3 starring Jason Momoa, and he does not consider Momoa's films canon in the new DC Universe (DCU). Instead, Gunn's long-term strategy keeps the Aquaman character active in the DCU as a non-famous hero who may eventually be recast or reimagined once a strong script emerges, but not within the next two years.
Official Status of Jason Momoa's Aquaman in the DCU
The most direct update comes from Gunn's own Peacemaker podcast, where he stated plainly: "Is Aquaman canon? We don't know, but I don't think Aquaman is canon". This reflects DC Studios' broader decision to reset the timeline after Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, which remains the final film of the old DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 2023) concluded the DCEU eras for Aquaman, Flash, and Shazam.
- Jason Momoa's future as Aquaman is undecided, not canceled, with Gunn emphasizing strong scripts and right timing before any sequel.
- Gunn has ruled out Aquaman returning within the "next two years," making a 2026-2027 appearance unlikely.
Why Aquaman 3 Is Not Officially in Development
As of May 2026, neither Warner Bros. nor DC Studios has officially announced Aquaman 3, and the project is not included in the currently announced DCU slate. James Wan, the franchise's director, has said he made changes to Lost Kingdom to better fit Gunn's DCU, but future sequels depend on DC Studios' direction, not Wan alone.
Gunn has repeatedly stressed that DC Studios is focusing on strong scripts and right timing, which means Aquaman 3 remains a possibility but not an active production. The door is open, but the path is intentionally undefined.
How the DCU's Aquaman Will Differ From Momoa's Version
When Aquaman eventually joins the DCU, Gunn has teased that this version will differ significantly from Jason Momoa's portrayal. One key change is that the DCU Aquaman will not yet be a famous public hero during the early DCU timeline, unlike Superman and Peacemaker in Season 2.
| Aspect | Momoa DCEU Aquaman | DCU Aquaman (Planned) |
|---|---|---|
| Canon status | DCEU canon, but not DCU canon | Not yet defined; likely new continuity |
| Public fame | Well-known global hero | Unlikely famous yet in DCU |
| Timeline placement | Active during DCEU era | Not active in early DCU |
| Actor | Jason Momoa (2017-2023) | Undecided; possible recast |
| Projected debut | 2018 (solo film) | Not within next 2 years |
James Gunn's 10-Year DCU Strategy and Where Aquaman Fits
Gunn recently described his overarching timeline as a "loose" 10-year plan for the DC Universe, meaning decisions about major characters like Aquaman evolve over time rather than being locked in now. He told his podcast co-host: "It's like a decade, maybe a little less. It's very loose too".
- Chapter 1 (2023-2026): Focus on core heroes: Creature Commandos, Superman (2025), Peacemaker Season 2, plus animation and shows establishing the new continuity.
- Chapter 2 (approx. 2027-2030): Larger ensemble stories, including potential Justice League formation and deeper integration of legacy characters.
- Chapter 3-4 (2030+): Expansion into new mythologies, villains like Brainiac, and possible Aquaman storyline once script and tone are right.
Within this framework, Aquaman is part of the long-term plans, but not the immediate next phase. Gunn has teased Aquaman and Flash's return in broader DCU discussions, implying they are not abandoned but intentionally delayed.
"Plenty of characters are probably coming that are yet to be announced... While the future of Aquaman and The Flash remains uncertain, Gunn's statements imply that they are part of the long-term plans for the DCU."
Fan Surprises: What Might Unexpectedly Happen
James Gunn's plans might surprise fans in several concrete ways [reference title]. First, he may choose to soft-reboot Aquaman with a new actor while keeping Momoa in a different role (e.g., a mentor or Atlantean king). Second, Aquaman could appear without a solo film, debuting first in an ensemble or animated project before getting a theatrical movie.
Jason Momoa himself has said that if fan demand becomes strong enough, "anything could be possible" in the future, though no confirmed plan exists as of now.
Key Dates and Milestones in the Aquaman-DCU Timeline
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| December 20, 2023 | Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom release | Final DCEU Aquaman film; closes old era |
| October 28, 2024 | Gunn teases Aquaman/Flash return | Confirms long-term DCU interest |
| July 26, 2025 | Gunn's podcast on Momoa's Aquaman | States Aquaman likely not canon |
| July 24, 2025 | Gunn: "Not next two years" for Aquaman | Rules out near-term return |
| September 24, 2025 | Gunn reveals 10-year DCU plan | Places Aquaman in long-term future |
| May 2026 (now) | No Aquaman 3 announcement | Project remains undecided, not in slate |
What This Means for Fans and Future Storytelling
For fans expecting a straightforward Aquaman 3, James Gunn's plan is intentionally unexpected and flexible [reference title]. Rather than rushing a sequel, DC Studios is prioritizing a cohesive DCU where Aquaman enters only when the story and character fit the broader mythos.
This approach may frustrate some, but it also protects Aquaman's potential. By keeping options open-recast, soft reboot, ensemble debut-Gunn ensures Aquaman can have a renewed role in a universe designed to last a decade or more.
Expert answers to Dc Aquaman James Gunn Plans Might Surprise Fans queries
Is Aquaman 3 canceled?
Aquaman 3 is not officially canceled; it is simply undecided. DC Studios has not greenlit the film, and it is not in the announced DCU slate, but James Gunn has said the possibility remains open if the right script and timing emerge.
Will Jason Momoa still play Aquaman?
Jason Momoa's return is not confirmed. Gunn has not ruled him out, but he has not committed to Momoa either, and the DCU's new continuity leaves room for recasting or reimagining the character.
Is Aquaman canon in the new DCU?
James Gunn explicitly said: "Is Aquaman canon? We don't know, but I don't think Aquaman is canon". This indicates that Momoa's films are likely outside the main DCU continuity unless DC Studios later retcons them.
When will Aquaman return in the DCU?
James Gunn stated he would "not say the next two years" for Aquaman or Flash to join the DCU, suggesting any return would likely be in 2028 or later, aligned with the broader 10-year DCU plan.
How will DCU Aquaman be different?
The DCU Aquaman is expected to be less publicly famous in early stories, operate in a fresh timeline, and possibly be played by a different actor. The tone may also shift to fit Gunn's more character-driven, interconnected storytelling style.