Patrick Wilson joined 'Aquaman' without reading a script, against his agent's advice

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July 27, 2018

Patrick Wilson and director James Wan have collaborated many times over the years. So when they were working on The Conjuring 2 and Wan mentioned he'd like Wilson to play Ocean Master in Aquaman, it was a pretty quick "yes". Even though Wilson's agents didn't seem thrilled about their client joining a movie that didn't even have a script yet.

"I signed on before there was a script, before there was anything," Wilson told The Hollywood Reporter. "My agents were like, 'Do you know what the role is?' And I was like, 'Yeah, it's this guy.' I show them pictures. [They asked], 'Is it a big part?' I'm like, 'Guys, he's not going to waste my time. I know that.'"

Meanwhile, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who plays a secondary villain in Aquaman named Black Manta, had some bold demands during his audition for the role. He didn't want to have facial hair.

"I sat down at my audition and said, 'I'm not going to have a beard'" Abdul-Mateen said. "I had The Get Down, I had Baywatch, I had [The Vanishing of] Sidney Hall. I had films where I had this afro and this beard. I just wanted the world to know there was another face and another guy under there."

"James was all about Black Manta being attractive and being appealing to fans. And I was down with that too," he added.

SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter

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103 comments

Anthony Soprano
July 27, 2018
He needed a job, hes a good actor but not a great one.
1. unknownlight927
  July 27, 2018
  That's a little harsh. He has done great work on The Conjuring, as well as Insidious and season 2 of Fargo. A solid B+ actor for sure!! :) :) :)
  1. unknownlight927
    July 27, 2018
    I'll cut you some slack on Insidious as it has always been so-so, but the Conjuring franchise is very popular and Season 2 of Fargo is critically acclaimed so how are they crap? I realize we are all entitled to our opinions and I respect that but you don't need to be rude about it.
    1. Nahuel Benvenuto
      July 27, 2018
      Do you actually believe that something that is "very popular" is because it exclusively has good artistic qualities? Also, critics dont always know best, so your opinion has to be taken with a pinch of salt
      1. unknownlight927
        July 27, 2018
        Just to clarify, I wasn't putting any of these movies on a pedestal, I was just pointing out projects Patrick Wilson has been involved with. And there are various ways to describe "very popular", from Box Office Hits to a Strong Cult following. Also. I don't judge anything based on Critical Acclaim alone. If I did, I would need a Truck Load of Salt. :) :)
  2. Nahuel Benvenuto
    July 27, 2018
    The Conjuring is not a great movie, Insidious is not a great movie, and i have no idea about the other
  3. SJ1986
    July 27, 2018
    Bless.
  4. Manny
    July 27, 2018
    You suck dick.
mr nobody
July 27, 2018
Patrick Wilson:
I also like to live dangerously
1. mr nobody
  July 27, 2018
  Love it.
  Also* edited it
Jesse Hernandez
July 27, 2018
I like Patrick Wilson, he was my favorite in The Watchmen as Nite Owl and do his agent think this was a bad choice ?!
1. mr nobody
  July 27, 2018
  You don't blindly sign on to work on a dying franchise. It was a risky move for sure
  1. Carver
    July 27, 2018
    Yep. It’s dying so bad, they keep making movies. Wait...
    1. mr nobody
      July 27, 2018
      Dying and dead isn't the same thing, smartass. A person with cancer still gets chemo. That's what they are doing right now
      1. Fréaláf Hildeson
        July 27, 2018
        True your brain isn't dead, it is just dying; you can still type random words.
      2. mr nobody
        July 27, 2018
        Wow, what a great line. FYI, we all are dying ; )
        You get too butthurt when hearing the truth. Chill out
      3. ZaQueerdo
        July 27, 2018
        He's correct about the reputation of the franchise regardless. Any agent would be justified to be worried about a franchise this consistently panned, especially when the movie the client was interested in was a spin-off of a massive flop. Especially when as noted in the article, they didn't even know the specifics or size of the role.
      4. mr nobody
        July 27, 2018
        nah, man. You're brain dead. What you said makes no sense :P
      5. Fréaláf Hildeson
        July 27, 2018
        JL wasn't a "massive flop". Regardless, in December 2016 it wasn't released yet.
        If you could read past a misleading headline, you would learn the actual questions his agent asked.
      6. ZaQueerdo
        July 27, 2018
        JL wasn't a "massive flop".
        Yes it was. And even if it wasn't, it was coming off the twin critical disasters of Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad. Anyone would be worried about that.
        >If you could read past a misleading headline,
        LOL that's why I mentioned the concerns about the size of the role.
      7. Fréaláf Hildeson
        July 27, 2018
        Suuure, no actor wants to become the next Margot Robbie or Gal Gaddot... Warner could never get someone like Joaquin Phoenix either. Also, it is well known agents don't want their clients to star in expensive blockbusters.
        How do you come up with so much nonsense?
      8. ZaQueerdo
        July 27, 2018
        >Suuure, no actor wants to become the next Margot Robbie or Gal Gaddot...
        Or the next Gabriel Match or Sam J. Jones. The number of people whose careers never went anywhere after starring in bad blockbusters is long and old.
        >Warner could never get someone like Joaquin Phoenix either.
        Who they got specifically because Joker was conceived as a standalone thriller with no ties to the DCEU.
        >Also, it is well known agents don't want their clients to star in expensive blockbusters.
        It's well known agents don't want their clients cast in shit movies that might hurt their career.
      9. mr nobody
        July 27, 2018
        ZaQueerdo, you are a savage! Though Fréaláf isn't too bright either
      10. mr nobody
        July 27, 2018
        Cause Suicide Squad is what launched Robbie's career right? lol you are a special kind of dumb. Talk about braindead lolololol
      11. drisraelluna
        July 27, 2018
        Remind me again... which is Will Smith’s highest grossing film?
        Thanks
      12. mr nobody
        July 27, 2018
        Independence Day. But what does that have anything to do with what has been said?
        You're welcome
      13. Rust
        July 27, 2018
        He probably didn't adjust for inflation, but still, third highest isn't too shabby either.
      14. mr nobody
        July 28, 2018
        Agreed, still a pointless statement to the conversation
      15. Carver
        July 27, 2018
        Agreed, however if it were dying, why would they waste time and money continuing on making movies? Yes, it’s struggled finding its footing, but it’s certainly not “dying”.
      16. mr nobody
        July 27, 2018
        They won't let go. NinjaGamer13 and I had a conversation about this a few days ago. I believe they should've just let it die but they are holding on to the success to WW and Suicide Squad's "success"
      17. Carver
        July 28, 2018
        I’m on the opposite side of your coin. I think they need to push on, IF and only IF theyre going to learn from their mistakes. I’ve really enjoyed all the movies so far, but I recognize that they haven’t been doing that hot with audiences. But it looks like Aquaman and Shazam May be the necessary shift to continue continuity AND make necessary changes. And as you pointed out, Wonder Woman was a success so I don’t think WW1984 will be anything to worry about.
      18. Rust
        July 27, 2018
        It's a glass half full/half empty thing.
      19. Carver
        July 28, 2018
        Agreed. And I’m the former haha so I really don’t see it as dying or something worth ending.
  2. unknownlight927
    July 27, 2018
    I wouldn't say its a dying franchise, but the DC movies definitely need a win. Wonder Woman can only do so much. Hopefully Aquaman and Shazam can hold up to expectations!! :)
    1. mr nobody
      July 27, 2018
      Exactly!
2. Fréaláf Hildeson
  July 27, 2018
  If you read: his agent wanted to know if it was a good, big (financially rewarding) part.
Sassybat
July 27, 2018
when you've worked with director a lot, makes sense you would make more movies with said director when you trust them
lowdevil
July 27, 2018
I love what Wilson did with the voice for Orm. If this film is any bit as close to how great MI Fallout is, then were all in for a treat.
Half life 3 confirmed
July 27, 2018
Trust the chosen Wan, he does.
Danny Neiba
July 27, 2018
Directors are like parents and the actors are like their kids .Every parent has a favorite kid
IamTheOneWhoKnocks
July 27, 2018
Smart man!
gabi bats
July 27, 2018
"Trust the process"
Reverse_Flash
July 27, 2018
Two great castings, unlike Aquabro, who totally sucks.
1. Fréaláf Hildeson
  July 27, 2018
  It is great to see a racist troll whine for months because Warner didn't cast a blonde Aryan bro.
  Meanwhile, the Aquaman trailer has been very well received among normal people.
  1. Reverse_Flash
    July 27, 2018
    Wrong again Hitlerson.
    His whole bro attitude is dumb and forced. It's not just his lack of resemblance to the comic book character.
    "redheads, you gotta love em', boo haaaaaaaaa"
    Wow, Aquaman's so cool....not. That's cheesy as hell. Terrible casting. Terrible Aquaman.
  2. kan
    July 27, 2018
    I like how that jumped straight to racist. WTF? Just because he wants a more comic book accurate Aquaman, he is now racist?
    The bubble....it is so big.
    1. Half life 3 confirmed
      July 27, 2018
      These two have a history. Reverse flash types this pretty much every chance he gets then Frealaf Hildeson replies back. If I recall, in one of their arguments reverse flash got a bit racist. So every time reverse flash makes the same comment, frealaf hildeson gets a chance to call him a racist.
      1. kan
        July 27, 2018
        LOL...thanks for the backstory. History repeating...I am out.
      2. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        That backstory is completely wrong.
      3. kan
        July 28, 2018
        I have never seen you post a racist word, so I figured.
      4. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        "reverse flash got a bit racist."
        Oh really? What did I say that was racist?
        Please stop talking out of your ass.
      5. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        You guys gone after each other that feels like forever. I'm not spending my free time scrolling through the past articles rereading you guys arguing. It also doesn't help that you both have your profiles set to private and the fact that you can also edit your comment.
      6. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        Exactly, you have nothing. You're just talking out of your ass.
      7. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        You could just ask Frealaf Hildeson why you are a racist.
      8. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        Frealaf Hitlerson is a dumb Snyderbot. He will attack anyone who doesn't worship Snyder. I don't need to ask him anything.
        I'm asking you because you were the one who said this:
        "If I recall, in one of their arguments reverse flash got a bit racist."
        So what argument are you talking about?
      9. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        I don't know why you suddenly don't want to reply to him about it. You guys argue all the time with each other. Since you don't want to ask him why you are a racist, I'll ask for you. I feel like a middleman now. All I said was I recall you being a bit racist. I'm curious now. This gif also seems fitting because of his avatar. Too funny to not post it. https://i.imgur.com/uu9pmDP...
      10. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        I already replied to him.
        "I recall you being a bit racist"
        So why can't you back that up? :)
      11. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        I already said it in my recent past. I'm not taking this as seriously as you. There's just no way I'm looking through past articles. It also just doesn't help that you can edit your comment to erase your tracks and that your profile is set on private.
      12. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        You don't need to go through my posts. You said you recalled me being a racist.
        What do you recall exactly?
        :)
      13. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        I'm pretty sure it was an insult toward Mr. Momoa. Something about his heritage. If I recall, I think there was also comments involving the movie Moana?
      14. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        Yes, I've noted several times that Momoa is part polynesian, unlike the comic book Aquaman.
        I'm not into characters being changed ethnically. What's wrong with that? That's not what racism is.
        I'd feel no different if Cyborg was white.
      15. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        That's fair I guess. Though, changing Aquamans race is unique compared to the others. I think we got to look at the bigger picture. First to be clear, I'm sure if Aquaman was blonde, the movie would still work. I think casting Mr. Momoa is best long term. Aquaman is the most made fun of hero in pop culture then you have Mr. Momoa cast in the role. It's 12th level intelligence casting. Braniac would approve. Then in the future when Aquaman is rebooted, I'm pretty sure they will cast a blonde Aquaman. By then Aquaman jokes will be in the distant past thanks to Mr. Momoa.
      16. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        Aquaman was mocked because of his super powers, as many thought they were silly and useless, not because of the way he looked physically.
        Aquabro still has those same "silly" powers, and he still wears the classic outfit, so turning him into this Aquabro, full of tattoos, who drinks and acts all tough was completely pointless.
        Snyder totally misdiagnosed Aquaman's problems. Getting completely away from the comic book versions wasn't necessary. All it takes for the audience to appreciate a character is good writing.
      17. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        For the general public Aquaman is a joke. I know a blonde Aquaman can work, but casting Mr. Momoa automatically makes the general public take him seriously.
      18. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        "For the general public Aquaman is a joke."
        I already told you why, and it's not because of the way looks physically. His powers were the main issue.
        "casting Mr. Momoa automatically makes the general public take him seriously"
        Casting any other actor who resembled the character and was well written would have made the public take him seriously.
      19. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 28, 2018
        Yeah, the public mocks Aquamans powers, but they're going to see Mr. Momoa. They won't be making fun of him now. They're going to see how badass Aquaman can be. Look, I grew up with the JL animated series. Which means I grew up with a badass Aquaman. I know a blonde Aquaman can work. It's just the casual audience doesn't take Aquaman seriously. Mr. Momoa is a smart cast. The casuals won't think of him as a joke anymore.
        It's like how I also told you. Think long term. Right now Mr. Momoa is our Aquaman. He's doing the work of letting the general audience know that Aquaman is actually a badass. Then in the future when Aquaman is rebooted you can have your blonde Aquaman that has the benefit of not having to deal with the public not taking him seriously.
      20. Reverse_Flash
        July 30, 2018
        "They're going to see how badass Aquaman can be"
        They don't need Momoa for that.
        There's simply nothing Momoa brings to the table that other actor, and most importantly, good writing couldn't achive. You're still failing to grasp that.
        Badassery has nothing to do with drinking alcohol, having tattoos or acting tough, etc. Badassery is innate in characters. There are badass characters who aren't big or strong. There are badass characters who don't talk alot, don't show off, don't drink, don't try to act tough, etc.
        Aquaman didn't need Momoa to be a badass. He just needed good writing. But again, like many people, including Zack Snyder, you are misdiagnosing Aquaman's problems and how to solve them.
      21. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 30, 2018
        There's nothing you can do about it. We already got our Aquaman. I wanted a Snyder cut of Justice League but I don't think we will get it. So I just moved on. You want a blonde Aquaman. You have to understand that you are in the minority. You can tell us how you want a blonde Aquaman all you like but your best bet is to wait until there is a reboot in the future. Mr. Momoa is Aquaman.
      22. Reverse_Flash
        July 30, 2018
        I know.
        I'm just pointing out that Momoa and his Aquabro attitude were not necessary.
      23. Half life 3 confirmed
        July 30, 2018
        I also know. I told you countless times I know a blonde Aquaman can work. We have Mr. Momoa as Aquaman and we just have to move on. I personally don't mind him being as Aquaman. I think he's cool. What DC is pretty much known for is legacy and their multiverse. I enjoy seeing different takes and looks of the characters. If it makes you feel better think of the movies like they are Earth-39 or any number you like.
  3. Half life 3 confirmed
    July 28, 2018
    Hey why do you call reverse flash a racist? He said he doesn't need to ask you anything.
2. Pikashades
  July 28, 2018
  You just gotta keep WAA WAA COMPLAIN COMPLAINing.
  1. Reverse_Flash
    July 28, 2018
    It's not a complaint, it's criticism.
    1. Pikashades
      July 28, 2018
      If you keep calling the character with names like 'Aquabro', it is not criticism. It's petty complaining.
      1. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        Many people call him Aquabro, dummy.
      2. Pikashades
        July 28, 2018
        And I call those people shee- I mean, Mareeps.
      3. Reverse_Flash
        July 28, 2018
        K...
    2. Fréaláf Hildeson
      July 28, 2018
      Maybe in your mind. In reality, it always reads like pathetic whines and rants.
      1. Reverse_Flash
        July 30, 2018
        Why are you still here Jelly Beans?
        There's no Snyder cut. Snyderbots have no business here anymore.
ZaQueerdo
July 27, 2018
Sometimes you gotta take a leap of faith.
1. Rust
  July 27, 2018
  Nice reference!
  That scene is definitely inspired by Superman: For Tomorrow - as is the "My World" quote. :)
  1. ZaQueerdo
    July 27, 2018
    I was actually making a George Michael reference.
    1. Rust
      July 27, 2018
      Also great! My bad haha ;p
      I meant the scene with the priest in Man of Steel just in case anyone's confused scrolling down.
      1. ZaQueerdo
        July 27, 2018
        Ah, I like that scene!
2. Bob Burger
  July 27, 2018
  Conjuring 2 reference? It makes a lot of sense if it's a Conjuring reference and not George Michael's lol.
  https://getyarn.io/yarn-cli...
  https://getyarn.io/yarn-cli...
Fréaláf Hildeson
July 27, 2018
More casting news for WW84:
https://deadline.com/2018/0...
AquamanIsCool
July 27, 2018
I think Patrick Wilson would have been awesome as Hal Jordan
jrvc
July 27, 2018
he did well because I think he is gonna give us a great Orm! Can't wait for his bringing the 7th seas to the surface :p
gonzzCABJ
July 27, 2018
That's love right there.
Police Android #23
July 27, 2018
I’m very curious about Black Manta’s role within the larger ocean war backdrop. All I’ve seen him in is the submarine and blasting the little tower off of some unknown building (which looks awesome, by the way).
And The Trench! Where is that gonna fit in?! I’m gettin’ pretty excited to see all of the pieces together. That first trailer really ramped up my curiosity.
1. Rust
  July 27, 2018
  I honestly have to say that's what I'm the most excited about so far.
  There are so many pieces that seem like totally individual pocket experiences that connect to a larger whole that it does indeed feel like a broadly-spanning 'Indiana Jones' style quest/adventure story, which gives me a big smile.
  1. Police Android #23
    July 27, 2018
    Hell yeah. I could definitely go for some Indiana Jones style.
Jua-nalf
July 27, 2018
"I just wanted the world to know there was another face and another guy under there.” So you picked a role were you have to wear a giant ass helmet most of the time? You could literally wear a clown wig with a red nose and no one would notice.
1. Kaingerc
  July 28, 2018
  Nah, the helmet goes hand-in-hand with the character and it will probably feature prominently in a few action scenes, but I bet that in most of his screen time he'll be without it on.
2. StarTheory
  July 28, 2018
  Unless they pull a Deadshot and have him wear the mask for like a minute.
3. Qthetar .
  July 28, 2018
  Did you even watch the trailer we got to see his face.
Ravager
July 27, 2018
That is loyalty
Arman The White
July 27, 2018
The true Aquaman, Hope that in this Aquaman movie somehow Aquabro gets killed and be replaced by him.
1. Pikashades
  July 28, 2018
  We have a troll here.
2. Knight Radiant
  July 28, 2018
  He does look a lot like Aquaman. Would have been a good cast.
That Guy
July 28, 2018
I'm happy he took the job. He's a solid actor that takes chances and takes his roles seriously.
AquamanIsCool
July 28, 2018
Patrick Wilson is super underrated
Talia
July 28, 2018
Patrick Wilson is so connected to James Wan right now, it's like the relationship Johnny Depp has/had with Tim Burton. You gotta trust the director that fits you just perfectly.

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