The release of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” has been far from the triumph that its predecessor achieved. The sequel to James Wan’s 2018 hit finds itself swimming against the current at the box office, earning a meager $13.7 million on its first day, a stark contrast to the global success of the first film. Warner Bros. all but gave up on the marketing of this film prior to release, letting it sink to the bottom of the DC Universe film charts.
One significant factor contributing to the film’s lackluster reception is the controversy surrounding Amber Heard, who reprised her role as Queen Mera. Amber Heard’s off-screen issues have cast a shadow over the movie, deterring potential viewers. The negative publicity surrounding her involvement appears to have influenced the audience’s reluctance to embrace the sequel.
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In terms of the storyline, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” follows Jason Momoa’s portrayal of the titular hero as he grapples with the challenges of being both the King of Atlantis and a new father. The return of characters like Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, made for what should have been an easy win for the DC Universe. However, critics and fans argue that the plot feels overstuffed, failing to capture the cinematic excitement that made the original “Aquaman” a hit. The heavily political themes of climate change don’t help the movie either.
James Wan, renowned for his work in horror, receives mixed reviews for his direction. While some action sequences are praised, others suggest that the film falls short of replicating the brilliance of its predecessor. The underwater visuals, a signature element of the franchise, continue to impress. Still, criticism is directed at inconsistent CGI quality, particularly in underwater scenes that lack realism.
This news for the opening night comes after an even worse preview night, where Aquaman made a low $4.5 million, similar to the preview night of the DC Universe’s red headed stepichild of a movie, The Flash, which was panned by critics and viewers earlier in 2023. With such low box office scores, it looks like “Aquaman And The Lost Kindgom” is on track to hit around the $35-40 million prediction for the box office earlier this week.
Compounding the challenges, the film faced a lack of anticipation. The sequel’s struggles at the box office are noteworthy, especially when considering the success of the first installment. As the DC Universe undergoes a reboot, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” not only marks the end of an era but also serves as a transition into an uncertain future for the franchise. The fate of the DCEU hangs in the balance as audiences grapple with their expectations and the film’s contentious reception.
What do you think of James Wan’s second Aquaman outing in the DC Universe? Leave a comment and let us know.
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