I don't think the stakes need to be super duper high, for a sequel. Honestly it might be smarter to dial it back a bit. Give us some random Aquaman adventure flicks before going for a big epic again. I think leaning more into "sci fi underwater Indiana Jones" and less mythological stuff is the move.

Animated movies, too. I think we just need some cool Aquaman joints- doesn't need to be world ending threats. Just threats to Atlantis/the sea and sea animals/Aquaman's family.