Aquaman 2: The Global Success of the Lost Kingdom

Aquaman 2's Milestone Achievement

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel to the first Aquaman film, has achieved a significant milestone in just four weeks since its release. Surpassing the global box office gross of a previous DC movie, this accomplishment marks a turning point for the sequel.

Aquaman, Black Manta, and Ocean Master in Aquaman 2's cast

The first Aquaman movie, released in December 2018, garnered immense success by grossing over $1 billion worldwide during its theatrical run. It held the title of the highest-grossing movie in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). However, Aquaman 2 has now emerged as the final DCEU installment, surpassing its predecessor's financial achievements in a relatively short time frame.

According to Deadline, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has achieved a global gross of $396.2 million, nearing the $400 million mark as its theatrical run continues. This feat has already surpassed the global box office earnings of DC's 2022 release, Black Adam, which only reached $393.5 million by the end of its run. With a production budget of $205 million, Aquaman 2 is on the verge of reaching the breakeven point, signaling a remarkable success.

The Star Power Behind Aquaman 2's Success

The success of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom can be attributed to the considerable star power of its lead actors, Jason Momoa and Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson. Both actors have garnered immense popularity, especially in international markets, contributing significantly to the film's global success.

Jason Momoa's portrayal of Aquaman has garnered deep investment from moviegoers, starting with his cameo in 2016's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and gaining prominence in subsequent DCEU films. His consistent and well-liked portrayal of the character has made him a welcome addition to the franchise, with Aquaman 2 further solidifying his appeal.

In contrast, Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson's portrayal of Black Adam in the 2022 film faced challenges as a new character in the DCEU, lacking the same level of built-in investment. The film's poor reception further hindered the audience's connection with the titular character, highlighting the impact of existing fan investment in the success of a movie.

Factors Contributing to Aquaman 2's Triumph

Apart from the star power, several factors have contributed to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's triumph over previous DC movies. The lack of significant competition at the box office, particularly from other superhero films, has provided the sequel with an advantageous position to thrive.

While Black Adam faced tough competition from the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the timing of Aquaman 2's release in January, with relatively few highly anticipated releases, has allowed the sequel to maintain its momentum at the box office. This favorable timing, coupled with positive audience reception, has propelled the film's success and set it apart from its predecessors.