The much-anticipated conclusion to the DCEU saga, Aquaman 2: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, has arrived, but unfortunately, it’s not receiving the warm reception that Warner Bros. had hoped for. Instead, it seems to be ending its run with a whimper rather than a bang, facing harsh criticism and a potentially underwhelming box office performance.
While the original Aquaman film garnered decent reviews and soared to a billion-dollar box office success, its sequel appears to be following a different trajectory, echoing the recent disappointment experienced by The Marvels in the MCU. Despite high expectations stemming from the first film’s success, Aquaman 2 is failing to impress critics and audiences alike.
Early reviews for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have been overwhelmingly negative, signaling trouble ahead for the film’s commercial prospects. The film currently holds a dismal 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a significant drop from the original’s 65% score. In fact, it ranks among the lowest-rated films in the entire DCEU, alongside notorious disappointments like Batman V Superman and the original Suicide Squad.
This critical backlash has cast a shadow over the film’s box office potential, with industry estimates suggesting a lackluster opening weekend performance. Initial projections indicate that Aquaman 2 may only rake in around $40 million in its debut, a stark contrast to the original film’s impressive $67 million opening. Such a disappointing start could lead to a rapid decline in ticket sales, further jeopardizing the film’s financial success.
The timing of the review embargo lift, just hours before the film’s US premiere, hints at Warner Bros.’ attempt to manage expectations and minimize the impact of negative reviews on opening weekend attendance. However, with such low initial buzz surrounding the film, it faces an uphill battle to attract audiences and recoup its production costs.
The underwhelming reception of Aquaman 2 marks a disappointing conclusion to the current era of the DCEU, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering what lies ahead for the franchise. With Warner Bros. banking on a revitalization of the universe under James Gunn’s direction in 2025, the pressure is on to deliver a fresh and exciting new chapter for DC’s cinematic universe.
Despite the challenges ahead, there may be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Rumors suggest that Jason Momoa, the star of Aquaman, may be involved in the upcoming reboot in a different role, offering fans a potential reason to remain optimistic about the future of the DCEU. Only time will tell whether the franchise can overcome its current setbacks and soar to new heights in the years to come.
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