Despite a boost in revenue for several other films over the extended New Year’s weekend, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is treading water as it steps into 2024.
Surpassing the $250 million milestone, the superhero sequel has accumulated a respectable $258 million globally, surpassing The Marvels’ lifetime total of $205 million. Notably, Aquaman 2 debuted with one of the lowest openings in the troubled history of the now-defunct DC Extended Universe. Mixed reviews and a plethora of alternative film choices have notably impacted its performance, particularly in the domestic market.
While Aquaman 2 has yet to surpass the $80 million mark in the United States within 10 days of release, it finds solace in its overseas performance, particularly in China, where it has garnered $173 million.
However, the film may be nearing the limit of its potential success. The most optimistic outcome could be surpassing the lifetime global earnings of the superhero film underperformer “The Flash” ($270 million).
Another silver lining for Aquaman 2 is its outperformance compared to recent DC disappointments like “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” and “Blue Beetle,” both affected by perceived behind-the-scenes turmoil within the franchise. The DCEU, initiated a decade ago with “Man of Steel,” experienced significant highs and lows amid changing executive leadership.
The highly-publicized reboot under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s guidance marked the end for the remaining films from the previous leadership.
