Malaysian-born director James Wan glad to be back in the country: 'Of course I (had) durians'


James Wan is in Malaysia to promote his upcoming film 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom'. Photo: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

Malaysian-born director James Wan is currently in Malaysia to promote his upcoming film Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom.

He says he has been “globetrotting a fair bit around the world” in conjunction with the release of the blockbuster – out at cinemas on Dec 21.

So when he got to Malaysia a few days ago, the 46-year-old immediately indulged in his favourite Malaysian food.

“For me, I ordered laksa, Hainanese chicken rice and, of course, I ordered some durians," said Wan at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today (Dec 15).

Wan, who was born in Sarawak and grew up in Australia, added: "And yesterday, we went to Batu Caves. I have not been there before. I didn’t realise how high it was. Yeah, I was exhausted."

The sequel to the 2018 movie sees Jason Momoa reprising the titular character. According to Wan, the movie picks up from where the first film concluded, depicting Arthur's ascent to the throne as the King of Atlantis.

“We’ll get to see him finally being the king of Atlantis, and he’s also a dad, a husband, he’s just juggling a lot of responsibilities," Wan offered.

At the press conference - which included media from South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore and India - Wan was asked if he could choose the powers between hydrokinesis and the ability to talk to fish, which one would he pick.

Wan answered: “I know talking to fish sounds really lame, and that’s what people always make fun Aquaman for. But imagine if a shark comes your way, how incredible would it be if you communicate with this dangerous creature ..."

He added: “But hydrokinesis, the ability to make water do things, that’s definitely cool too, that’s the power Meera (Amber Heard’s character) has.

“...I guess this ability would be useful in Malaysia where it rains so much. You can create a bridge over the traffic.”

Wan, who has directed hit horrors such as The Conjuring and Insidious, also expressed interest in wanting to feature Malaysia in one of his films.

“I would definitely love to find a project that is set in Malaysia. And that is an honest answer. I’m not just saying that because I’m here.

"Just getting to see Batu Caves, and flying over the country, and just what I remember growing up here, it’s so beautiful. I just want to find the perfect story (for it).”

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