In a surprising turn of events, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” has experienced a weaker-than-expected debut at the box office. The film, which marks potentially the last appearance of Jason Momoa as the iconic aquatic hero, opened to a modest $28.1 million domestically. This figure falls below the anticipated $32 million to $42 million range, significantly less than its predecessor’s 2018 opening weekend of $67.8 million. This development raises questions about the future of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and the broader appeal of superhero films in today’s market.
The opening figures for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” place it as the fourth-lowest debut in the DCEU franchise history, a stark contrast to the original “Aquaman,” which remains the highest-grossing film in the DCEU with over $1.15 billion in global ticket sales. The film’s performance indicates a broader trend within the DCEU, where recent releases like “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and “Blue Beetle” have also seen modest box office returns.
Despite the lukewarm domestic opening, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” fared better internationally, adding $80.1 million from overseas markets. This mirrors the first film’s success, where international sales accounted for over 70% of its box office. The global appeal of the franchise remains a critical factor in its overall performance.
The DCEU has faced criticism for its heavy reliance on CGI and disjointed narratives, particularly in its attempts to create ensemble films. This, coupled with the impact of the pandemic and the announcement of a franchise reboot in 2025, has potentially led to a waning interest among even the most loyal DC fans. The planned reboot by James Gunn and Peter Safran has left recent releases like “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” feeling disconnected from the future trajectory of the franchise.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for the film. As noted by Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, movies released in late December, such as “Aquaman 2,” often have a prolonged run at the box office due to holiday seasons. The lack of intense competition in theatres and school vacations may allow the film to increase its audience base in the coming weeks.
The “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” performance at the box office reflects a complex scenario for the DCEU. While it showcases the franchise’s continued international appeal, it also underscores the domestic challenges. The film’s opening, amidst a pending reboot and evolving audience preferences, suggests a critical juncture for the superhero genre and the DCEU’s future direction. As the industry adapts to post-pandemic dynamics and changing tastes, the long-term impact of these developments remains to be seen.
