13 November 2023, Mumbai: As December 22nd approaches, all eyes are on Jason Momoa’s reprisal of the iconic Aquaman role in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” This sequel stands at the crossroads of DCEU’s fate, with the last triumph, Shazam in 2019, becoming a distant memory. The anticipation is rife, laden with both positive and negative vibes surrounding the film’s prospects. Let’s delve into the complexities and uncertainties that shroud this cinematic venture.
The Unwanted Focus on Aquaman 2
In the buildup to its release, Aquaman 2 finds itself under a scrutinizing lens, not just for its cinematic merits. The Amber Heard controversy, stemming from her tumultuous personal life and legal battles with Johnny Depp, casts an uneasy shadow. Calls for her removal from the film echo amid a swirl of polarized reactions. Meanwhile, rumors of lackluster test screenings contribute to the film’s narrative, veering it into a realm of skepticism and negativity.
DCEU’s Struggle: Will Aquaman 2 Be the Much-Needed Resurgence?
Unlike its Marvel counterpart, the DC Extended Universe grapples with a prolonged drought of global box office triumphs. Since the spectacular success of Aquaman, breaching the billion-dollar milestone, DCEU has faced commercial setbacks. The consecutive releases—The Flash, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Black Adam—failed to attain the desired financial zenith. In this challenging milieu, the fate of Aquaman 2 becomes pivotal, holding the potential to steer DCEU back into the seas of prosperity.
Aquaman 2’s Financial Seas
Within the realm of Hollywood’s financial intricacies, Aquaman 2 carries the weight of a substantial $205 million budget. For this aquatic spectacle to break even, it must navigate the treacherous waters of a $410 million global box office return. The festive backdrop of its Christmas and New Year release offers a glimmer of hope. As audiences flock to theaters during the holiday season, the film stands poised for a potential surge in revenue. If the narrative holds water and resonates, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman may just ride the tide of success.
Aquaman 2’s Role in DCEU
As the curtain rises on Aquaman 2, the question looms: Will this cinematic venture herald the end of DCEU’s four-year box office drought? The answer lies within the theaters, where audiences will decide the fate of Jason Momoa’s aquatic saga. Amid controversies, budgetary concerns, and the overarching struggle of DCEU, the film emerges as a potential game-changer. Whether it sinks or swims, the journey of Aquaman 2 becomes a defining chapter in the tumultuous cinematic odyssey of the DC Extended Universe.
By Yashika Desai