Earlier this week, several sources reported that test-screenings for James Wan's Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom had not gone over very well. In fact, the sequel was referred to as "the worst DCEU movie yet."
This is just one person's opinion, of course, but we have done some digging, and it sounds like Warner Bros. Discover/DC Studios may indeed have a train wreck (or should that be shipwreck?) on their hands.
From what we can gather, earlier test-screenings were held last year that were received more positively - although the reaction was still reportedly "lukewarm." Whether this was a different cut of the movie or not is unclear, but this latest round of screenings is said to be "disastrous," and we've even heard reports of walkouts.
The Lost Kingdom was described as an "unfocused mess," with "lame, unfunny jokes" (some would apply the same criticisms to the first movie, to be fair). We have also been made aware of some specific plot details that we won't spoil here, but let's just say, if accurate, Wan and co. have a lot of work to do before the film hits theaters this December.
The belief is that star Jason Momoa is also very unhappy with the film, which is why he wanted to make the jump to Lobo.
Some of these reactions may well have been exaggerated, but it could be telling that Aquaman 2 barely got a mention during James Gunn and Peter Safran's recent DCU slate announcement.
What do you guys make of this? Could Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom really be that bad? Be sure to share your thoughts down below.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.