Warner Bros. has once again delayed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. This marks the third time the sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Aquaman has faced a similar setback. Initially slated for December 20, the film has now been pushed back two days to December 22. This alteration provides Aquaman 2 with a traditional three-day opening weekend, diverging from the previously intended five-day debut. Such a shift might have more to do than the competitive nature of the December release calendar and less about Warner Bros.’ lack of confidence in the film’s chances for box office success.
There are multiple factors at play in the decision. One notable element is the studio’s desire to offer the film a buffer as Wonka another one of Warner Bros.’ big-budget productions, premieres in the same month. The Timothée Chalamet-led origin tale about Roald Dahl’s infamous chocolatier is scheduled for a December 15 release. By allowing a week-long gap between the two, Warner Bros. aims to prevent any potential cannibalization of ticket sales. December is further congested with the musical adaptation of The Color Purple, which launches on Christmas Day, demanding careful orchestration on Warner Bros.’ part.
The original Aquaman, released in 2018, redefined the DC Extended Universe’s success metrics. Not traditionally among DC’s A-list heroes, Aquaman, portrayed by Jason Momoa, was a breath of fresh air following the less well-received film, Justice League. Surpassing expectations, it made a colossal $1.148 billion at the box office, blending an entertaining and lively narrative with thrilling action sequences. Directed by James Wan, the film introduced viewers to Arthur Curry’s world, his romance with Mera, played by Amber Heard, and his ascendancy to the throne of Atlantis.
As per the details revealed, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom pivots from romance to focus on themes of brotherhood. It aims to delve deeper into the dynamics between Arthur and his half-brother, Orm, played by Patrick Wilson. This is one of the pivotal reasons James Wan remained committed to the franchise. He envisions a narrative arc wherein characters like Arthur, initially depicted as wanderers, eventually embrace their chosen paths, evolving in their respective roles.
However, the journey to the sequel’s release has not been without its challenges. The production reportedly underwent three rounds of reshoots after receiving mixed responses during initial test screenings. This, coupled with rumors about Momoa seeking to have Amber Heard removed from the film, has given rise to speculations regarding the film’s overall cohesion and the atmosphere on set. Nevertheless, Wan’s dedication to completing a potential Aquaman trilogy remains unscathed, indicating a confidence in the film’s narrative strength.
Warner Bros.’ decision to alter its release slate isn’t exclusive to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The studio has chosen to rename its Robert De Niro starrer from Wise Guys to Alto Knights. This gangster drama, centered around the mid-20th-century crime world and De Niro’s dual roles as crime bosses, has also seen its release date pushed from February to November 2024.
Delving further into the reshuffling of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, prior delays were influenced by factors ranging from the global COVID-19 pandemic to internal strategic decisions following WarnerMedia’s merger with Discovery, Inc. Moreover, casting discussions, particularly around Batman’s appearance in the sequel and the roles of both Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton, have been subject to discussion and intriguing. However, the most contentious issue is Heard. Her public feud with ex-husband Johnny Depp has cast a shadow over the production, and recent reports suggest that her role has been reduced significantly. These rumors gained traction with claims that Elon Musk, Heard’s former beau, played a part in her continued association with the film.
Despite these challenges and the pressures of providing a fitting conclusion to the DC Extended Universe, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has a chance to captivate audiences, drawing them into the depths of the oceanic world of Atlantis.
