There was once a time when the sequel to DC’s first-ever billion-grossing film, Aquaman 2 was one of the most anticipated movies among fans. But thanks to the pandemic, controversies, dramas, and Amber Heard-related rumors, Warner Bros might yet again witness another box office failure, a failure worse than its ‘best DCEU film’ aka the box office bomb The Flash.
While the Ezra Miller starrer movie suffered heavily thanks to numerous rumors and controversies surrounding it, it still managed to gross higher than MCU’s disappointment, The Marvels. However, as early potential tracking shows, the last of the DCEU movie, Aquaman 2 might even leave behind The Flash in the race to become WB’s biggest failure.
Aquaman 2 To Leave Behind The Flash For WB’s Biggest Failure?
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Over the past few years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Christmas time has been disappointing for the box office (via Variety and Deadline). This time too, it seems the box office might result in a similar feat despite Aquaman 2 being one of the only significant movies being released in theatres worldwide during this Holiday season.
After being stuck with unexpected controversies, bad press, alleged reshoots, and more (via Variety) Aquaman 2 will finally be heading to meet its fate when it releases on December 22. Despite being backed by a billion-grossing prequel, an exceptional cast (despite the anti-sentiments, Amber Heard is still a good actor), a strong movie brand, and fan’s nostalgia towards the Snyderverse and DCEU, early tracking numbers suggest the movie might yet be another entry to WB’s long list of ‘phenomenal failures’.
As per Variety, the movie is eyeing about $35 to $40 million during the first four days of its release in the country, while The Flash had a $55 million debut in the first three days (via Entertainment Weekly). While Aquaman 2 might get $110 million worldwide (via Deadline), it will still be less than The Flash’s $130 million worldwide.
Hence, if the actual figures are anywhere close to these predictions, it would surely be one ‘hell’ of a year for Warner Bros.
Also Read: Aquaman 2 Receives Godlike Rating in China, May Break Amber Heard Curse on Word of Mouth Alone
Despite Critical Predictions, Aquaman 2 Might Turn Out A Shocker
All the stars, planets, the sun, the moon, and basically everything else seem to be against Aquaman 2, deeming it a failure even before its release. However, the basis of their cruel judgment is not wrong for it has been evident for a long time that the movie has been going through some serious turbulent tides (via The Telegraph).
However, it would be wrong to judge the movie that, despite major blockades and hurdles, has a much stronger brand and backing. While the sequel is riddled with controversies after James Gunn‘s takeover of DC and Amber Heard‘s defamation trial, the movie’s lead and main draw Jason Momoa remains unaffected.
The storyline too presents an interesting enough draw to attract viewers. Furthermore, it being the last of fan-favorite DCEU and potentially Momoa’s last outing as Aquaman, fans are naturally going to be drawn to the movie. An absence of major competition too can help the Jason Wan-directed movie fare better than its superhero processors.
Aquaman and the Last Kingdom will be released on December 22, 2023.
