Aquaman 2 Makes a Global Splash Despite Domestic Struggles

Aquaman, the aquatic hero, is about to dive into a new streaming platform just as its sequel, “The Lost Kingdom,” encounters rough waters at the box office. The first Aquaman film, currently streaming on Max, will find a new home on Netflix starting January 1, 2024.

Aquaman’s Netflix Debut

Netflix’s surprising move to welcome Aquaman into its library signals a shift for the King of Atlantis. This decision follows Netflix’s recent addition of various DC movies, excluding Aquaman until now. The timing aligns with the new year, offering subscribers a fresh start with Aquaman’s underwater adventures.

The Lost Kingdom’s Box Office Struggle

While Aquaman sets sail for streaming success, its sequel, “The Lost Kingdom,” faces challenges in theaters. The film fell short of box office projections, earning a mere $38 million during the four-day holiday weekend. Despite lukewarm critical reception, audience scores remain notably higher. However, with a $200 million production budget (excluding marketing costs), “The Lost Kingdom” faces a tough journey to recoup its investment compared to its predecessor’s staggering $1.1 billion earnings in 2018.

Unpacking the Setback

Several factors contribute to the sequel’s underperformance. “Superhero fatigue,” a term often invoked when blockbuster superhero films disappoint, may be a culprit. The recent underwhelming performance of MCU’s “The Marvels” in November adds weight to this theory. Controversy surrounding Amber Heard, a key player in the movie, led some DC fans to boycott the sequel. A petition calling for her removal due to legal disputes with Johnny Depp garnered millions of signatures, impacting the film’s reception. Furthermore, some viewers may hesitate to invest further in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), knowing that a new chapter is on the horizon.

Behind the Scenes of Aquaman

Directed by James Wan, the original Aquaman movie featured a stellar cast, including Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Kidman, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The screenplay, crafted by David Leslie Johnson McGoldrick and Will Beall, captivated audiences worldwide.

Aquaman’s Streaming Voyage

As “The Lost Kingdom” battles stormy box office waters, Aquaman finds solace in the streaming realm. Joining Netflix on January 1, 2024, the aquatic hero is set to bring his underwater adventures to a broader audience. The fate of the DCEU may be uncertain, but for now, fans can anticipate a refreshing dive into the world of Aquaman as the new year unfolds.

Aquaman dives into Netflix on Jan. 1, 2024 – Prepare for a tidal wave of underwater action!

The Final Act of a Cinematic Era

As the curtain falls on the current era of DC’s cinematic universe, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” marks the concluding chapter in a journey that began with Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” a decade ago. The franchise has experienced highs and lows, with recent releases like “Black Adam,” “Shazam: Fury of the Gods,” “The Flash,” and “Blue Beetle” leaning toward the latter. Warner Bros’ decision to reboot the DC universe, commencing with James Gunn’s “Superman: Legacy” in 2025, positions “The Lost Kingdom” as the final film in the continuity that commenced in 2013. However, bidding farewell may not be met with a tearful goodbye.

A Decent Yet Unimpressive Sequel

While “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” doesn’t plummet into the depths of cinematic disaster, it fails to rise above the formulaic nature of contemporary superhero blockbusters. Jason Momoa’s reprisal of his role as Arthur Curry, the half-human King of Atlantis, unfolds in a cartoony undersea world reminiscent of “The Little Mermaid.” The film swiftly delivers explosions, fight sequences, and witty banter, catering to the expected elements of today’s superhero cinema.

However, despite its kinetic pace, the sequel lacks the elements that elevate a film beyond mere spectacle. Randall Park’s portrayal of a conflicted scientist uttering repetitive exclamations of “Astonishing!” fails to inject genuine wonder into the narrative. While the first “Aquaman” film was a box office juggernaut, grossing over a billion dollars, its sequel lacks a compelling reason for existence and fails to hint at a story that needed telling.

Missed Opportunities and Lackluster Plot

The initial scenes offer a glimpse of a potentially resonant theme—Arthur Curry’s discontent with his role as King of Atlantis and his struggle to balance leadership with fatherhood. Unfortunately, this theme dissolves as the plot shifts abruptly, introducing Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Manta, a one-dimensional antagonist wielding an enchanted weapon. The decision to team up with Arthur’s half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), follows a predictable trajectory, offering a clichéd dynamic that never evolves beyond the expected beats.

Amber Heard’s portrayal of Mera, Arthur’s wife, becomes a missed opportunity due to inexplicable editing choices, relegating her character to a mere presence with minimal impact on the narrative. The film’s rush through pivotal events, coupled with brutal editing, dilutes the significance of discoveries, even the titular “Lost Kingdom.” The consequence is a lack of emotional resonance, with apparently fatal injuries shrugged off and characters lacking the depth needed for genuine engagement.

Momoa Shines in a Subpar Setting

In a sea of mediocrity, Jason Momoa remains a standout with his charismatic, beer-guzzling persona. His performance, while enjoyable, feels out of place in a film dominated by computer-generated environments and lackluster characterizations. The disconnect between Momoa’s natural, physical presence and the film’s artificial setting diminishes the potential impact of his performance.

The film’s visual shortcomings further extend to poorly executed underwater scenes, with a lack of distinction between sea and land settings. The editing, perhaps driven by a desire to conclude swiftly, results in a rushed narrative that fails to build anticipation or deliver a satisfying cinematic experience.

A Sinking Franchise?

“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” earns a mere two stars, indicative of its failure to break free from the predictable tropes plaguing modern superhero cinema. As the DC cinematic universe faces an impending reboot, one can only hope for a revival that aligns more closely with authentic storytelling and believable characters. The past decade’s failure to immerse viewers in credible settings may serve as a lesson for the future—let’s anticipate a DC universe that resonates with the audience on a more relatable level.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is released on 21 December in the UK and 22 December in the US.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom: A Slow Domestic Start, A Global Triumph
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the latest installment in the DC Extended Universe, has made waves at the global box office despite a lukewarm reception in the domestic market. While the film opened domestically with a somewhat disappointing $27.6 million, it swiftly redeemed itself on the international stage, raking in an impressive $80.1 million across 73 markets and securing the top spot worldwide.