Malaysian-Born Director James Wan Books A Spot In '100 Most Powerful People In Entertainment' List

That is what just happened, as Kuching-born Australian filmmaker James Wan booked his spot in entertainment website The Hollywood Reporter’s '100 Most Powerful People in Entertainment 2019' list.

The 42-year-old filmmaker, who is currently based in Los Angeles, took the 80th spot in the list.

To make things more impressive, Wan was placed ahead of big Hollywood names like Will Smith and Jennifer Lopez.

Wan is best known for directing famous blockbusters such as 'Aquaman' and 'The Conjuring' movies.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wan earned a spot in the list because of a deal with indie production house Starlight Media that enables him to do more edgy films.

“A financing pact with Starlight Media allows him to make edgier fare; once he wraps indie 'Malignant', he’ll focus on 'Aquaman', working on the sequel to his US$1.1 billion (RM4.6 billion) DC hit,” they wrote.

In a quick-fire question series with Wan where he was asked about his go-to podcast when going for a long drive, he said he prefers music from the 40s and 50s.

“And sometimes, music in that period from around the world in different languages."

He also shared that his last big splurge was vintage furniture and if he finds Disney chief executive officer Bob Iger’s phone, he would contact Mickey Mouse and thank him for his childhood.

The top spot in The Hollywood Reporter’s 100 most powerful people in entertainment list, by the way, was taken by Iger.