The highly anticipated film “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” made a splash at the box office with a lackluster domestic opening. The movie, which is the latest installment in the DC Extended Universe, brought in only $28.1 million, making it the fourth-lowest opening in the franchise’s history. This figure fell far below expectations, as industry experts predicted an opening between $32 million and $42 million. Unfortunately, the film’s performance pales in comparison to its predecessor, as the first “Aquaman” movie raked in a whopping $67.8 million during its debut weekend in 2018.
Going Against the Current
The underwhelming opening of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” follows a trend seen in recent DC franchise films. Since 2018, only one film from the franchise has debuted with over $60 million in ticket sales, namely “Black Adam,” which earned $67 million in early 2022. The lackluster performance of these films raises concerns about the future of the DC Extended Universe. Critics and fans alike have criticized the franchise for its overreliance on CGI-heavy action sequences and disjointed storytelling, resulting in mixed reviews for many of its entries.
While the domestic box office figures may be disappointing, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” has managed to make a bigger splash in international markets. The film generated an additional $80.1 million from international ticket sales over the weekend, bringing its total expected global earnings to $120 million. This echoes the success of the first “Aquaman” movie, which made over 70% of its $1.15 billion box office haul from markets outside the U.S. and Canada. Despite the popularity of the franchise overseas, no other film in the DC Extended Universe has come close to matching the global success of “Aquaman.”
The lackluster performance of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” cannot be solely attributed to its quality or audience reception. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the box office, leading to smaller openings in 2020 and 2021. As theaters have reopened and restrictions ease, the DC Extended Universe has struggled to attract even its most dedicated fans. Furthermore, the recent announcement of a franchise reboot in 2025 by DC Studios’ new heads, James Gunn and Peter Safran, has left fans uncertain about the future of current DC projects. This uncertainty has affected the reception of recent releases like “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” “Blue Beetle,” “The Flash,” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” with audiences unsure if these films will connect to future DC films or if they are essential theatrical experiences.
A Gleam of Hope
Despite the rocky start, there is a glimmer of hope for the “Aquaman” sequel. With limited competition in theaters next week and the upcoming holiday season, the film has the opportunity to gain momentum and attract audiences, particularly families enjoying their school vacation. Late December releases often experience a slow start but can build a dedicated following throughout the holiday season and into the new year. As Paul Dergarabedian, Senior Media Analyst at Comscore, suggests, “Aquaman 2” may play the long game and find success in the weeks to come.
The underwhelming opening of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” reflects a larger trend within the DC Extended Universe. The franchise has struggled to replicate the success of its earlier films and faces criticism for its storytelling and reliance on CGI. However, the sequel still has the potential to find its footing in the coming weeks, taking advantage of the holiday season and attracting audiences seeking out-of-home entertainment. Only time will tell if “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” can navigate the choppy waters of the box office and ultimately make waves in the DC Extended Universe.
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