2 November 2023, Mumbai: DC sets its sights on redemption at the box office with the release of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” starring Jason Momoa. After a lackluster performance in 2023, the studio anticipates a turnaround, aiming to capitalize on the success of the first installment, which grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
Aquaman’s Past Triumph
The 2018 release of “Aquaman” marked a significant triumph for DC, becoming the highest-grossing film in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) to date. With a worldwide box office collection of $1.152 billion, the film’s success was propelled by positive word-of-mouth and surprising overseas earnings.
High Expectations for the Sequel
With the bar set high by its predecessor, “Aquaman 2” faces heightened expectations. Fans and industry observers eagerly await the sequel’s performance, anticipating another box office spectacle. The sequel, titled “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” is directed by James Wan.
Early Box Office Projections
Three weeks before its December 22 release, early box office projections for “Aquaman 2” have surfaced. The film is expected to earn between $50 million and $60 million during its opening weekend at the North American box office. These projections consider the 4-day frame from Friday to Monday, leveraging the Christmas Day holiday on December 25.
Sequel Underperformance Concerns
Despite the sequel factor and the holiday season, “Aquaman 2” is deemed to underperform compared to its predecessor. The first installment garnered $67.87 million during its opening weekend, surpassing the projected figures for the sequel. This raises concerns about the film’s performance and whether it can live up to the legacy of the original.
Amber Heard Controversy Impact
Controversies surrounding Amber Heard’s role in the film are speculated to impact its box office performance. The ongoing issues have potentially contributed to the lower projections, and the film might face challenges surpassing the opening weekend figures of DC’s “The Flash,” which earned $55.04 million.
The DC Cinema
The fate of “Aquaman 2” adds another layer to the evolving landscape of DC films. As the studio navigates challenges and strives for a box office comeback, the performance of this sequel becomes pivotal in determining DC’s standing in the competitive cinematic landscape.
By Yashika Desai