Aquaman Sequel Hits and Hurdles: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has achieved a significant milestone in the domestic box office, marking a noteworthy accomplishment despite recent challenges. Securing the top spot during its debut weekend over the Christmas holiday, the DC superhero sequel faced a subsequent decline, slipping to the third position behind the enduring success of Wonka and the latest release, Night Swim.
Despite this, during its third weekend in domestic theaters, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom added $10.6 million to its box office earnings, solidifying its place at No. 3. Notably, it has crossed the crucial $100 million threshold in North America, joining the ranks of only 25 movies released in 2023 to achieve this feat.
Analyzing its performance, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is positioned to conclude its run in a comparatively stronger position than many DCEU movies from 2020 through 2023, which faced diminishing returns. Currently standing at No. 3 among these titles, it trails behind The Flash ($108.1 million domestic) from 2023 and Black Adam ($168.1 million domestic) from 2022. While catching up with The Flash seems likely, surpassing the $140.4 million domestic gross of 2019’s Shazam! remains uncertain, as Shazam! had already surpassed the $120 million mark by its third weekend.
Comparing Aquaman’s third weekend with the next five highest-grossing DCEU titles, it’s evident that the sequel holds a competitive position:
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023): $100 million (Ongoing)
- The Flash (2023): $99.5 million, $108.1 million
- Shazam! (2019): $120.4 million, $140.3 million
- Black Adam (2022): $137.1 million, $168.1 million
- Justice League (2017): $197.4 million, $229 million
- Man of Steel (2013): $248.6 million, $291 million
If Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom maintains its trajectory between The Flash and Shazam! in overall grosses, it would secure the ninth spot on the franchise’s highest-grossing movie list, residing towards the lower end of the domestic chart. However, considering the break-even point surpassing $410 million worldwide, the movie’s profitability hinges on a robust performance throughout early 2024. This financial landscape, coupled with the evolving direction of the franchise, raises uncertainties about the potential realization of Aquaman 3.
Also Read: Aquaman 2 Holiday Box Office Disappointment Amidst Warner Bros. Struggles
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Aquaman a hit or flop?
The initial Aquaman movie got a better reception from critics, earning a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it raked in over $1.1 billion globally, making it the most successful DCEU film.
How is Aquaman 2 doing at the box office?
Aquaman 2 is surpassing expectations at the worldwide box office, raking in a total global gross of $373.7 million and potentially reaching a lifetime earnings of $400 million.
How much will Aquaman 2 make?
Jason Momoa reprises his role as the King of Atlantis in the comic book sequel directed by James Wan. Despite high expectations, the movie fell short, bringing in only $27.7 million over the weekend and a lackluster $40 million over the four-day holiday period.
Will Aquaman 2 be good?
Freelance film critic, David Opie, boldly labeled Aquaman 2 as “painfully bad” in a recent tweet. He lamented, “What a terrible end to an already bad year for superhero films.” Variety’s Owen Gleiberman stated that the film “floundered”, while BleedingCool’s Kaitlyn Booth described it as “a mess” on X.