Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, serving as the concluding chapter of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), seems to be caught in the undertow of DC’s recent box office struggles. The film is currently projected to have an opening weekend that falls below the disappointing performance of Marvel’s major misstep, The Marvels.
The anticipation surrounding Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s four-day Christmas opening weekend is tempered by predictions of around $40 million-plus, a figure trailing behind The Marvels’ $46 million three-day debut. This forecast paints a concerning picture for the DCEU’s final cinematic outing, especially considering The Marvels’ standing as Marvel Studios’ lowest-grossing film to date, with a meager $204 million in total box office earnings, as reported by Box Office Mojo.
While the trailers for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have hinted at an engaging storyline, the movie appears to be grappling with several factors contributing to its potential box office struggles in 2023. A noteworthy element is the broader decline in audience interest as the DCEU nears its end and prepares for a fresh start under the direction of James Gunn and producer Peter Safran.
The announcement that the new DC Universe will not feature actors from the 2017 film Justice League, including the charismatic Jason Momoa in his role as Aquaman, adds another layer of complexity. The absence of familiar faces from the iconic superhero team, coupled with Momoa’s uncertain future in the DCEU, has undoubtedly impacted the sequel’s momentum.
Compounding the challenges is Momoa’s expressed interest in portraying Lobo, a character he has publicly revealed his enthusiasm for on multiple occasions. With James Gunn teasing Lobo on social media and reports from Variety suggesting that Momoa is in talks to play the character in projects like Superman: Legacy or other DCU endeavors, it appears that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is not only contending with its status as the DCEU’s final chapter but also with the shifting landscape of its key cast members.
In the midst of ongoing controversies surrounding the DCEU and the impending reboot of the franchise, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom faces a unique set of challenges that may hinder its ability to replicate the historical box office success of its predecessor. As audiences grapple with the imminent end of an era and the uncertainty surrounding familiar characters, the sequel finds itself navigating the turbulent waters of change within the cinematic superhero landscape.
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