Aquaman 2 or Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel featuring Jason Momoa as the iconic Aquaman, has made a splash at the box office but faces uncertainty regarding the future of the DC Universe (DCU). The film’s credits scene, lack of a teaser for Aquaman’s next adventure, and a lukewarm box office performance have left fans questioning the fate of the underwater superhero in the DCU.
Credits Scene Analysis
The credits scene of Aquaman 2 takes a humorous turn, referencing a lighthearted moment from the movie involving Aquaman’s attempt to broaden his brother Orm’s (played by Patrick Wilson) views on the surface world. The scene depicts Orm finally indulging in a burger and beer, despite the sickening addition of a crushed cockroach. While the scene signifies Orm’s willingness to reconsider his prejudices, it leaves fans without the typical tease for the hero’s next adventure.
DCU Overhaul and Aquaman’s Future
In October, directors James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed co-chairs and co-chief executive officers of DC Studios, signalling a cinematic overhaul for the DCU. However, none of the announced future projects feature existing iterations of heroes like Aquaman, Shazam, or the Flash. The disappointing box office performances of the Shazam sequel and the Flash standalone further cast doubt on the future appearances of these heroes.
Aquaman 2 Box Office Struggles
Despite the anticipation surrounding Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the film’s box office numbers fell short of expectations. With a sluggish start, the movie earned $4.5 million in Thursday previews, a significant decline from the $9 million garnered by the first film in 2018. The negative buzz surrounding the post-credit scene, star controversies, and extensive use of special effects contributed to the film’s challenging beginning.
Aquaman 3: A Distant Possibility
The box office struggles and the absence of plans for Aquaman 3 suggest a challenging road ahead for Jason Momoa’s Aquaman in the DCU. New DC chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran are focusing on the 2025 release of ‘Superman: Legacy,’ leaving fans uncertain about the fate of other existing superhero franchises.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Movie Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | James Wan |
| Screenplay | David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick |
| Story by | James Wan, David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Jason Momoa, Thomas Pa’a Sibbett |
| Based on | Characters from DC Comics |
| Producers | Peter Safran, James Wan, Rob Cowan |
| Cast | Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Martin Short, Nicole Kidman |
| Cinematography | Don Burgess |
| Editing | Kirk Morri |
| Music | Rupert Gregson-Williams |
| Production Companies | DC Studios, Atomic Monster, The Safran Company, Domain Entertainment |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Release Dates | December 19, 2023 (The Grove, Los Angeles) |
| December 22, 2023 (United States) | |
| Running Time | 124 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $205 million |
| Box Office | $13.7 million |
As Aquaman 2 faces uncertainties and a lack of plans for the aquatic superhero, fans are left wondering about the future of Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman in the DCU. The credits scene, while offering a humorous conclusion to the film, does little to provide a glimpse into Aquaman’s next big adventure. With the DCU undergoing changes and new projects taking the spotlight, the fate of established heroes hangs in the balance, leaving fans eagerly awaiting official announcements from Warner Bros.
