Jason Momoa and Amber Heard starrer Aquaman 2 was released at the end of 2023 with not much fanfare and anticipation. The DC brand had already been damaged with three back-to-back flops, and Aquaman 2 was already burdened with many rumors about its troubled production. The cast barely promoted the film nearing its release date.
The film opened to mediocre reviews from critics and audiences. However, it did well financially compared to recent box office performances of DCU films. Now, the film is soon coming to Max and a potential date has been revealed according to an official HBO schedule.
Aquaman 2 Potentially Streaming on Max from March 2, 2024
Aquaman 2 was released on December 22, 2023, amidst very low expectations among DC fans. The film saw the return of Jason Momoa‘s Aquaman, Amber Heard‘s Mera, and Patrick Wilson’s Orm going up against Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The film did not live up to the hype level of the first Aquaman which went on to gross a billion dollars at the box office.
It has been more than a month since its release and now the film seems to be coming to Max very soon. As The Direct puts it, an official HBO schedule has a blank spot for an untitled film that will stream on March 2, 2024. Judging by the pattern of past DC films being put on Max after its release, the film will likely stream on that date.
Aquaman 2 fared well at the box office compared to recent DCU offerings which flopped badly at the box office. The film grossed past the $400 million mark (via Box Office Mojo), a feat that the last three DCU films, including The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Black Adam did not achieve.
The film may find more viewers when it comes to Max. As the DC brand is now set to go in a new direction, the film marks the end point of an era of the DCU filled with many mishaps and missed opportunities. One hopes that James Gunn brings back the glory days of the brand with his new vision and approach.
James Wan Wants to Tell More Aquaman Stories That Are Not Limited to Films
James Wan recently returned to direct the second Aquaman film after the first film became a huge hit in 2018. The director spoke about telling an Aquaman story that is not connected to the larger DC lore and wanting to tell more stories about the character and the entire lore of Atlantis.
Wan told ComicBook.com that many exciting arcs in the Aquaman lore can be explored that shouldn’t be limited to films. He stated that there can be shows that explore more about the mythology of Atlanteans and be its own thing separate from the larger DCU story. He said,
“I mean, you’re totally right. We have created such a big world within this bigger world, and the really cool thing, I guess, is that it is just unique to the Aquaman characters. Aquaman lives in a world that doesn’t really get affected by all the other stuff that’s happening.”
I mean, obviously, if it’s a worldwide catastrophe that will have global issues with the ocean as well, but within that, we can be inside our own bubble, if you will. And so yeah, there are many stories that you could tell from this world. They don’t have to be movies. They definitely can be their own little shows if you wanted to. Definitely you can do a lot of things.”
For now, there are no plans for anything Aquaman-related in James Gunn’s new DCU. It remains to be seen whether Gunn brings back the Atlanteans in future DC stories. Fans can watch the first Aquaman on Max, as they wait for Aquaman 2 to come on the streaming site soon.
