Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the final movie in the current "DCEU" era, and based on updated box office projections, it might also end up being one of the least profitable of the entire franchise.
Per Deadline, James Wan's sequel projected to earn a 3-day total of $30 million over the course of its opening weekend. While this could fluctuate slightly, it would have to take in $33M+ to pass Birds of Prey and stay out of the bottom five (Birds of Prey, $33 million; Shazam! Fury of the Gods, $30.1 million; The Suicide Squad, $26.2 million; Blue Beetle, $25 million, and Wonder Woman 1984 $16.7 million).
Long-range box office tracking was never very strong, but negative reviews probably didn't help matters. Aquaman 2 is currently sitting at 37% on Rotten Tomatoes, although it does have a better Audience Score of 77%.
It's too early to write the movie off as a flop, but even so, this is just the latest in a pretty long run of underperforming comic book movies. Is it time to admit that "superhero fatigue" has set in, or are audiences simply growing tired of sub-par movies?
"Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, no, after w balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brother’s reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantis’ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his father’s death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin."
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is now in theaters. Do you plan on seeing the movie this weekend? Drop us a comment down below.