Development of an Aquaman film began in 2004, with several plans falling through over the years.

In
August 2014, Beall and Kurt Johnstad were hired to write two competing scripts and the film was
officially announced in October 2014. Wan signed on as director in April 2015 and in July 2016 it
was announced the film would move forward with Beall's screenplay, although Wan, Johnstad,
Johns and Johnson-McGoldrick all performed various rewrites. The main cast was confirmed
throughout 2016 and early 2017. Principal photography began in Australia on May 2, 2017. Most of
the film was shot at Village Roadshow Studios in Gold Coast, Queensland, with production also held
in Canada, Italy and Morocco. Filming wrapped on October 21, 2017.
Aquaman had its world premiere in London on November 26, 2018, and was released in the United
States by Warner Bros. Pictures in Real D 3D, Dolby Cinema, IMAX and IMAX 3D on December 21,
2018. The film has grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing DCEU film as
well as the highest-grossing film based on a DC Comics character, surpassing The Dark Knight
Rises;[8] it was also the fifth highest-grossing film of 2018, and the 20th highest-grossing film of all-
time. It received praise towards its lighter tone, Wan's direction, visuals and cinematography, as well
as some praising the performances, and musical score, while criticism was aimed at the convoluted
plot, dialogue, and runtime. An untitled sequel is set to be released December 16, 2022 and a spin-
off, The Trench, is in development.

Contents

 1Plot
 2Cast
 3Production
o 3.1Development
o 3.2Casting
o 3.3Filming
o 3.4Post-production
o 3.5Music
o 3.6Visual effects
 3.6.1Industrial Light & Magic (ILM)
 3.6.2DNEG
 3.6.3Digital Domain
 3.6.4Method Studios
 3.6.5Rodeo FX
 3.6.6Scanline VFX
 4Release
o 4.1Premiere and theatrical release
o 4.2Marketing
o 4.3Home media
 5Reception
o 5.1Box office
 5.1.1Domestically
 5.1.2Other territories
o 5.2Critical response
o 5.3Awards and nominations
 6Sequel
 7Spin-off
 8Note
 9References