Back in the 00s, the idea of making an Aquaman movie was considered ridiculous. However, the success of the Marvel and DC superhero universes changed that perception. Aquaman, directed by James Wan, became the highest-grossing film in the DC extended universe (DCEU) despite its cheesiness and lazy writing. However, the tide has turned, with recent Marvel and DC movies failing to impress audiences and struggling at the box office.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the upcoming sequel, is facing troubles of its own. The film has been through multiple reshoots, which is uncommon for a high-profile movie. It has also switched Batman actors along the way, as the studios navigate changes in leadership and vision. There are doubts about the film’s place in director James Gunn’s plans for the newly rebranded DC Universe.
While The Lost Kingdom may be too big to fail considering Warner/DC’s recent box office failures, it is unclear how it fits into Gunn’s vision. The film features Jason Momoa as Aquaman, who is associated with the previous Zack Snyder era of DC movies. It remains to be seen if Momoa’s Aquaman will survive the transition to a new reality or if a different version of the character will be introduced.
Warner and DC have stated that The Lost Kingdom will be one of the last movies in the DCEU before Gunn takes over. However, the multiple reshoots raise questions about the distinction between the two eras. If audiences are excited about the new team’s upcoming movies like Superman: Legacy and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, they may not be interested in Wan’s film if it feels like a futile endeavor from a different universe.
Overall, the fate of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if the film can overcome its challenges and succeed.
