Overview of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
As the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) comes to a close, the latest installment, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, has failed to meet expectations. The sequel follows Jason Momoa's Aquaman as he teams up with his half-brother Orm to combat the threat of Black Manta and the evil spirit of Kordax. The film, directed by James Wan, has been met with lukewarm reviews and a slow start at the box office.
Arthur Curry with Atlan's trident in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
The Screen Rant's Pitch Meeting series humorously critiques the movie's attempt to expand the lore of the character and the underwater kingdom. It also points out the similarities between Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom with other superhero movies, particularly Iron Man and Black Panther. The sequel's lack of originality has been a subject of ridicule in the media.
Orm and Aquaman in volcano in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Following the movie's release, Screen Rant's Pitch Meeting offers a satirical take on the film, highlighting its efforts to sustain the DCEU and expand the character's storyline. The episode also draws attention to the sequel's borrowing of story elements from other superhero films, particularly Iron Man and Black Panther, with the ending being likened to carbon copies of both.
Aquaman in the final battle of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Challenges Faced by Aquaman 2
Despite being one of the most anticipated DCEU sequels after the success of its predecessor, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom faced numerous challenges. The movie's development was plagued by behind-the-scenes issues, including the widely publicized defamation trial involving Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. The controversy surrounding Heard's involvement led to fan petitions calling for her removal from the film. Additionally, allegations against Jason Momoa's behavior on set further added to the movie's troubled production.
Arthur Curry and Arthur Jr. in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
The announcement of the impending end of the DCEU, with plans for a soft reboot under the DC Universe banner, dealt a significant blow to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's prospects. The decision to deviate from the existing DCEU continuity and the appointment of new leadership at DC Studios led to a decline in audience interest. This shift in direction essentially severed the connection between the sequel and the larger DCEU, impacting its appeal to fans and moviegoers alike.
Black Manta Wields the Black Trident in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
The decline in interest and box office performance of other DCEU films, such as The Flash, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and Blue Beetle, further contributed to the challenges faced by Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The superhero fatigue experienced by audiences, coupled with the underwhelming performance of other comic book adaptations, underscored the difficult climate in which the sequel was released.
The Future of the DCEU and Superhero Films
The struggles encountered by Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom reflect broader issues within the DCEU and the superhero film genre as a whole. The changing landscape of comic book adaptations, marked by the decline in box office returns for both DC and Marvel properties, points to a potential superhero fatigue among audiences. The upcoming reboot of Superman, spearheaded by James Gunn and set to launch in 2025, represents a pivotal moment for the DCEU's future direction.
The challenges faced by Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, including production hurdles and the evolving industry dynamics, raise questions about the sustainability of superhero franchises. With the DCEU undergoing a transformation under new leadership and the superhero genre experiencing shifting audience interests, the future success of comic book adaptations remains uncertain. The fate of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom serves as a cautionary tale for the DCEU and the superhero film industry at large.
