James Wan is to direct 'Aquaman'.

James Wan

James Wan

Warner Bros. has announced that the 38-year-old filmmaker is onboard to direct the upcoming film in the DC Comics cinematic universe, which will star Jason Momoa as the king of Atlantis.

Warner Bros. president Greg Silverman said: "The 'Aquaman' film will be a major tentpole picture for us and James' span of work has proven him able to take on any manner of project, bringing his incredible creative talent and unique voice to the material."

Wan's name was first linked to the project following the box office success of his recent blockbuster, 'Furious 7', which starred the late Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.

'Aquaman' will focus on the ruler of Atlantis' reluctance to take power as his citizens prepare for war against the surface world.

Momoa is set to make his debut as Aquaman in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' and is also expected to feature in the two-part Justice League movie.

The 35-year-old star - who starred as Khal Drogo in the HBO series 'Game of Thrones' - previously revealed he's signed up to play the superhero in four movies in total.

He said of 'Aquaman': "I know the 'Justice League' will come first. That's really what we're going to focus on. I'm not sure if it will be [set] prior to 'Justice League' or post. I don't know too much about it.

"It will probably be where he came from. It will probably be his whole origin story I would think."

'Aquaman' is slated for release on July 27, 2018.