As the release of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” approaches, there’s an unexpected silence surrounding the film’s marketing efforts. Starring Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson, the lack of traditional promotional strategies raises questions about Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to the movie, especially in the aftermath of a series of DC box office disappointments in 2023.
Scheduled to hit theaters in less than two weeks, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with its reported budget exceeding $200 million, has noticeably minimal marketing. In the realm of big-budget superhero films, actors typically engage in a comprehensive promotional campaign to build anticipation among fans. However, the marketing landscape for this DC Extended Universe (DCEU) installment seems eerily quiet.
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The aftermath of a strike by Hollywood writers and actors has been rumored as a potential reason for the marketing void, echoing the struggles faced by other films, such as The Marvels. Despite the end of the strike, the actors, including Jason Momoa, may have other commitments or might be unwilling to engage in extensive promotional activities.
Aquaman’s lack of promotion is juxtaposed against the backdrop of the evolving DC Universe. The recent DC films, including The Flash, Black Adam, and Shazam!: Fury of the Gods, despite extensive marketing, failed to resonate with audiences, possibly due to a perceived lack of connection or continuity. The shift towards a shared continuity may not align with the preferences of casual audiences who are unaware of the changes at DC Studios.
Diehard fans, on the other hand, seem hesitant to invest in movies that may not contribute significantly to the overarching narrative. The looming reset with the release of Superman: Legacy might have deterred Warner Bros. Discovery from investing heavily in promoting Aquaman 2, fearing it could be another setback for the struggling DC brand.
A peculiar aspect of Aquaman 2’s subdued marketing is the financial situation at Warner Bros. Discovery. Despite the success of certain projects like Barbie, the studio faced a significant loss of $2.28 billion in 2022. While 2023’s losses improved to $407 million, the focus on reducing massive debt raises questions about the studio’s ability to allocate funds for extensive marketing campaigns.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s chief financial officer, Gunnar Wiedenfels, emphasized debt reduction as a primary goal, raising the possibility that financial constraints limited the studio’s ability to conduct a robust marketing campaign for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Adding to the uncertainty, lead actor Jason Momoa expressed doubts about his future as Aquaman. In an interview, Momoa acknowledged the possibility that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom might mark the end of his tenure as the iconic King of Atlantis. He cited the new direction set by James Gunn and Peter Safran, who aim to establish their own DC universe, as a potential factor influencing this decision.
Momoa’s reluctance to confirm his return to the role and the absence of a clear plan for Aquaman’s future in the evolving DCU contribute to the overall uncertainty surrounding the franchise.
As Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom prepares for its theatrical release on December 22, 2023, the perplexing lack of marketing raises questions about Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to the film. Whether influenced by recent DCU disappointments, financial constraints, or the studio’s shift in focus, the fate of Aquaman 2 remains uncertain. Jason Momoa’s candid remarks about the potential end of his Aquaman journey further add to the intrigue surrounding the film’s release.
What do you think about Aquaman 2 and Jason Momoa’s comments? Leave a comment and let us know.
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Aquaman and the Lost Budget.
This fan will not invest in movies until they are proven to not suck.