As it stands, James Wan seems unlikely to be getting back in the director’s chair for a Conjuring Universe film anytime soon, but according to CinemaBlend, Wan’s new Aquaman movie at least contains a fan-pleasing callback to the horror franchise he helped create.
If you’re a follower of Wan’s previous work, then you’re probably well aware of the demonic doll named Annabelle, who first showed up in 2013’s The Conjuring before the launch of her own ongoing spinoff series. As it turns out, this sinister character’s pervasive presence can’t be confined to just one cinematic universe, as an early scene from Aquaman reportedly shows the toy sitting at the bottom of the ocean floor. When asked about this Easter Egg, however, the director chose to play coy.
“I don’t know what you are referring to,” Wan laughed. “I have no idea what Easter Egg you are referencing here, if it’s an Easter egg…. Maybe Patrick Wilson is really Ed Warren pretending to be King Orm? What can I say? I’d like to see that film, how about that?”
As well as playing the villainous Ocean Master in the upcoming DCEU flick, Patrick Wilson has a recurring role in the Conjuring Universe as Ed Warren, who along with his wife Lorraine – played by Vera Farmiga – is due to return in next year’s Annabelle 3, albeit in a supporting role. After that, the Warren couple will be taking the lead once more in 2020’s The Conjuring 3, though this planned threequel is set to be the first installment in the trilogy not to be helmed by Wan.
Nonetheless, as the Conjuring Universe continues to push forward and branch out into some new directions, Wan is in the process of launching a whole new series within the DCEU. Actor Jason Momoa has made it clear that he’d be game for further Aquaman movies, but we’ll find out if the filmgoing public feels the same when the feature hits theaters on December 21st.
