The DCEU may have had its moments on the big screen since its debut in 2013, but the universe of superheroes came to an end with more of a whimper than a bang with the release ofAquaman and the Lost Kingdom. As the follow-up toJames Wan’s $1.15 billion blockbuster starringJason Momoaas the king of Atlantis, it had to travel a bumpy road to its eventual release at the end of 2023. Between the pandemic, theextensive VFX work, andmany other complicating factors, it took over five years from the original’s release and a budget of over $200 million to get Arthur Curry’s next underwater adventure into theaters, and the final product was far from what critics had hoped. However, a 33%Rotten Tomatoesscore and an underwhelming $439.3 million box office haven’t kept viewers at home from checking out the feature in droves on Netflix.
OnNetflix’s Global Top 10for the week of May 26,Aquaman and the Lost Kingdomswam all the way to third place, behind only the recently-releasedFear Street: Prom Queenand DreamWorks' family animated hitThe Wild Robot. The superhero sequel nearly tied the latter film, with both scoring around 5.8 million viewers. With its recent release across several territories in Central and South America,The Lost Kingdomalso managed to chart in the Top 10 in 22 countries while hitting the top spot in six. The success comes in spite of the film only being available on Max in the U.S., meaning it’s being carried by international viewership.
Audiences tended to find more to like about the follow-up than critics, which speaks to the second life the film has had across streaming. The 79% score on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcorn Meter paints a far rosier picture of Wan’s work, with praise for the VFX, action, andthe entertaining relationshipbetween Momoa’s Arthur and his formerly villainous brotherOrm, played byPatrick Wilson.The Lost Kingdomis more of a buddy adventure following the unlikely duo as they put their differences aside to stop an even greater threat — Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). After failing to defeat Aquaman in the first film, he wields the horrific power of the Black Trident to bring destruction to Atlantis and the entire world by attempting to unleash a sinister force from the murky depths. It spurs an underwater journey thatembraces both the goofy and adventurous sidesof the aquatic hero’s world witha starry supporting castthat also featuresAmber Heard,Dolph Lundgren,Randall Park,Temuera Morrison,Martin Short, andNicole Kidman.
Is There a Future for Aquaman in the DCU?
As of right now, the oceans are at rest inJames GunnandPeter Safran’s DCU. The focus, for the time being, has been on establishing the new tone for DC’s film and television era with a mix of heavy hitters, likeGunn’s upcomingSuperman, and more unique projects like the acclaimedCreature Commandos. Momoa won’t be back as Aquaman for the new universe, but that’s only because he has a new role to playas the alien bounty hunter Lobo. He’ll make his DCU debut inCraig Gillespie’sSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which will unfold in the aftermath of Clark Kent’s story and starMillie Alcockas Kara Zor-El. It’s set to premiere in theaters on June 02, 2025, and will likely keep Momoa’s hot streak going after his recent rolein the box office-bustingAMinecraft Movie.
Also on the docket for the DCU very soon is the second season ofPeacemaker. Premiering on August 21, theJohn Cena-led action-comedy willreturn with new villainsfor Christopher Smith to take on and a bunch of familiar faces, includingDanielle Brooks,Jennifer Holland,Steve Agee, andFreddie Stroma.Frank Grillowill also be joining in the fun as Rick Flag Sr. and tangling with the titular Peacemakerfollowing his appearances in bothCreature CommandosandSuperman. Saving the world hasn’t quite made Chris and his friends heroes in the eyes of the public as they hoped, yetthey’ll still do their best to keep the peace, all while A.R.G.U.S. keeps an eye on them.
In the meantime,Aquaman and the Lost Kingdomis now streaming on Netflix in select countries and Max in the U.S. Stay tuned here at Collider for more on the hottest streaming titles.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
