Early signs say that “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will be another superhero misfire. In 2023, this has become common at the box office, and the chips are stacked against James Wan’s sequel. Box Office Pro’s predictions are just that, but they’re rooted in reality. This year has been disastrous for comic book adaptations, with DC seeing multiple disappointments. In March, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” grossed just $132 million worldwide, failing to crack $60 million domestically.
Then there’s “The Flash,” which has emerged as one of the biggest box office bombs of all time. A disastrous $108 million domestic haul and international postings worth $158 million couldn’t save the film, budgeted at $300 million. Even the well-liked “Blue Beetle” called it quits with $128 million worldwide. Especially considering some lackluster box office results from Marvel this year, an argument can be made casual viewers have lost interest in this genre.
In the years since “Aquaman” dominated cinemas, the titular character hasn’t had much cultural impact besides brief cameos in projects like “Peacemaker.” Box Office Pro also notes that pre-sales aren’t healthy, pacing behind the $390 million-grossing “Black Adam.” It certainly doesn’t help that the sequel has been mired in controversy, but it’s unlikely toxic conversations surrounding casting and rumored poor “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” test screenings have penetrated the mainstream.
