Summary

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has surpassed $400 million at the global box office, making it the most successful DCEU release since the original Aquaman in 2018. Despite a slow start, the film’s earnings have surpassed other recent DCEU releases such as The Flash and Black Adam. The availability of the film on digital platforms has further contributed to its financial success, offering fans an alternative viewing option.

Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has soared past a $400 million milestone at the global box office. This sequel, directed by James Wan, has established itself as the most successful DC Extended Universe (DCEU) release since the original Aquaman in 2018.

Initially, its debut over the Christmas period seemed underwhelming, with a four-day weekend haul of $40 million. However, the tide turned favorably for Aquaman 2, which has surpassed the earnings of last summer’s The Flash ($271 million) and Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam ($390 million). To date, Warner Bros. reports that the global earnings for the film are $412.7 million.

Despite a reduction in theater count from 3,706 to 2,118, the film added another $2.82 million over a recent weekend. The movie’s availability on digital platforms since Tuesday – for rental at $19.99 or purchase at $24.99 – offers fans an alternative viewing option, further bolstering its financial success.

Notably, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will conclude its theatrical run as the seventh highest-grossing film in the now-concluded DCEU saga. This universe has witnessed its share of less successful ventures, including recent releases like Shazam! Fury of The Gods, The Flash, and Blue Beetle.

Related The 10 Best DCEU Movies, Ranked by Story Structure It’s no secret that the DCEU has had its issues in the past, but there are definite gems that have come through in the films.

The production budget for Aquaman 2 was a substantial $215 million-plus, a figure that encompasses additional photography but excludes undisclosed marketing costs. The film’s performance has sparked discussions among industry insiders and fans alike. Dolph Lundgren, one of the film’s stars, expressed his initial disappointment with changes made during production during an interview with ComicBook. He cited a shift from the original script and cut that he believed had significant potential. Lundgren said:

“I was just disappointed for the moviegoers, because I thought the original script was great and the original cut — I saw a little bit of it, it was really good. So I didn’t see any reason to start reshooting and reshaping the story, which obviously led to disappointment in the moviegoers and not just me.”

Warner Bros. Sets the Stage for an Expansive Future in the DC Universe with High-Profile Releases

Looking forward, Warner Bros. has an exciting lineup of DC films. Warner Bros.’ upcoming releases feature Joker: Folie à Deux on October 4, 2024, followed by James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy on July 11, 2025, and The Batman Part II on October 3, 2025. In the Warner Bros. pipeline are several projects still waiting for release dates, including The Authority, The Brave and the Bold (a Batman reboot in the DCU), Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, and Swamp Thing.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is now available in digital HD.

Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Amber Heard lead a remarkable cast in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, supported by Randall Park, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Kidman. The film highlights the enduring fascination with superhero narratives and the capability of sequels to not only match but sometimes surpass the achievements of their predecessors. This film’s achievement underscores the DCEU’s talent in captivating audiences around the world with its distinct blend of action-packed drama and mythological storytelling.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom The follow-up to the smash hit DC adventure Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa as the King of Atlantis. Release Date December 25, 2023 Director James Wan