“I already told you this”: Peter Jackson Revealed Real Reason for Rejecting Aquaman Twice Before WB Settled With James Wan
Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson recently revealed that he turned down not one but two opportunities to direct the 2018 superhero film Aquaman. Despite repeated attempts by Warner Bros. to recruit him, Jackson plainly admitted his lack of passion for the project and discomfort with the superhero genre overall led him to reject the studio’s offer. Jackson revealed he turned down directing Aquaman twice due to his lack of passion for superhero movies. Warner Bros. ultimately moved on and chose James Wan, who delivered a box office smash hit.
Why Did Peter Jackson Say No to Aquaman?
In an interview with Empire magazine, Jackson recounted how Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara tried persuading him to direct Aquaman on two separate occasions.
“He said, ‘Are you a fan of Aquaman?’ I said, ‘No.’ Six months later: ‘Peter, are you a fan of Aquaman?’ I said, ‘No, Kevin, I already told you this,’” recalled Jackson.
The Lord of the Rings director stated he simply doesn’t have much interest in superhero films. “I’m not a superhero guy,” Jackson admitted plainly.
In fact, Peter Jackson revealed he has never directed a superhero movie and likely won’t anytime soon. He said he only wants to dedicate his time to projects he feels deeply passionate about.
“Films are hard. I only want to make something that I have a deep passion for,” Jackson explained.
The filmmaker’s disinterest in the superhero genre is why he declined the opportunity to helm Aquaman, despite Warner Bros.’ pursuit.
Also Read: Lord of the Rings: The Ring Worked Differently For Gollum And Bilbo
What is Peter Jackson Working on Next?
Jackson hasn’t directed a major feature film since 2014’s The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. He hinted his next big project likely won’t come for at least another year or two. The only comic book property Jackson has expressed interest in adapting is Tintin. He has been attached to a Tintin film for several years now.
Also Read: Monaghan’s Merry From Lord Of The Rings Trilogy Has Never Watched The Original Trilogy
Jackson is best known for directing The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. His acclaimed WWI documentary They Shall Not Grow Old is now available digitally and on Blu-ray. Peter Jackson plainly revealed he turned down directing Aquaman twice due to his lack of passion for superhero movies. Warner Bros. ultimately moved on and chose James Wan, who delivered a box office smash hit.
