The release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the sequel to 2018’s Aquaman, was meant to be a major event for the DC Extended Universe.
There were high hopes that this film would build on the financial success of the first Aquaman movie, which grossed over $1 billion globally.
However, when the film finally hit theaters, it was met with lackluster critical reviews and audience reception. Despite returning stars like Jason Momoa and director James Wan, the film felt derivative of the first and lacked the fun and exciting elements that had made the original so popular.
This seeming lack of fresh ideas or vision ultimately translated to disappointing box office returns. After just a few weeks in theaters, revenues stalled well below industry projections.
Unfortunately, the poor performance of Aquaman 2 seemed to symbolize growing fatigue with the DC Extended Universe among fans and general audiences.
Hopes for a revival or resurgence for this landscape of DC superhero films were dashed.
What was meant to be a high note or crowd-pleasing coda for the DCEU instead brought the era to an underwhelming close.
For DC and Warner Brothers, who have struggled to find their footing against the successful Marvel Cinematic Universe, this was a definite setback in their efforts to build enthusiasm for their own shared superhero world.
Aquaman 2’s Box Office Performance Falls Short Even After The Fourth Day
Unfortunately, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have not lived up to box office expectations so far.
As reported by Deadline, the highly anticipated sequel has brought in $40.9 million internationally after its first weekend across 73 markets.
This underwhelming haul is a concerning drop from the first Aquaman film, which debuted at $67 million globally.
Landing as the 4th weakest opening within the history of the DC Extended Universe, Aquaman 2’s debut aligns with previous letdowns like The Suicide Squad, Blue Beetle, and Wonder Woman 1984.
This continues an alarming trend for the DCEU in 2023, with titles like Blue Beetle, The Flash, and Shazam! Fury of the Gods also failed to attract substantial audiences earlier this year.
While the film may find its footing in some markets, this slow start dampens hopes that Aquaman 2 could drive a revival for DC’s interconnected superhero franchise.
After a string of box office disappointments, the DCEU lacks the momentum and excitement that Marvel has sustained over its multitude of sequels.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, unfortunately, seems to mark another stumble rather than a splashy comeback.
DC still has work to do to capture and engage moviegoers in its extended universe.
A Disappointing Opening Weekend at the Box Office
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom kicked off its global rollout this past weekend, but the highly-anticipated sequel failed to make a splash at the international box office.
The top earning territories were China with $13.9 million, Mexico at $3.4 million, Brazil and Indonesia tied with $1.9 million apiece, and France rounding out the top five with $1.6 million.
These opening weekend figures are deeply disappointing and pale in comparison to projections.
The holiday season typically fuels blockbuster receptions, especially for superhero films, which have come to dominate year-end releases.
Yet despite some pre-release buzz, Aquaman 2’s debut earnings are drastically lower across all major markets.
Industry experts had expected the sequel to improve upon its predecessor’s $67 million global start.
But with a worldwide opening weekend total of just $40.9 million, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom sank well below expectations.
It seems unlikely that this film will capture the same level of commercial success and cultural impact that the first Aquaman managed.
For the DC Extended Universe, this marks another setback in their efforts to nurture major franchises that resonate widely with audiences. The road ahead looks rocky for Aquaman to stay afloat in such a competitive marketplace.
Can a Christmas Miracle Save Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom?
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is shaping up to be a major disappointment rather than a holiday blockbuster.
Starring Jason Momoa in the title role, this big-budget sequel carried production costs exceeding $200 million. But its global box office debut of $40.9 million pales in comparison to that lofty price tag.
With such a lackluster start, there are legitimate doubts that Aquaman 2 can bounce back into profitability during its theatrical run.
Typically, the Christmas season allows event films to generate steady, incremental revenue week-over-week.
However, the film failed to generate the momentum needed out of the gate. It may very well struggle to even cross the $100 million threshold in total, let alone recoup its costs.
There were hopes that positive word of mouth and typical holiday moviegoing patterns could lift Aquaman 2’s fortunes.
But its disappointing critical reception and dull audience reactions suggest the film failed to connect. All momentum seems to have washed away rather than building a tidal wave of ticket sales.
It remains to be seen if January can inject this soggy sequel with much-needed vitality. For now, however, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom look to be sinking fast instead of swimming toward any meaningful success.
The New Year may still hold some surprises, but expectations have been significantly dampened.
