In just four weeks, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing the global gross of a previous DC movie. This is a crucial achievement for the sequel, considering that it did not initially experience the same financial success as its predecessor. The first Aquaman film, released in 2018 and 2019, grossed over a billion dollars worldwide during its theatrical run, becoming the highest-grossing movie in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). With Aquaman 2 being the final installment in the DCEU, it will retain that title.
According to reports from Deadline, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has already collected $396.2 million worldwide, inching closer to the $400 million global gross mark as it continues its theatrical run. Surpassing DC's 2022 release, Black Adam, which accumulated only $393.5 million, signifies a significant achievement for Aquaman 2. Produced with a budget of $205 million, the film is now on the brink of reaching the breakeven point.
A notable factor contributing to the success of both Aquaman films is the star power of its lead actors, Jason Momoa and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. With considerable popularity in numerous markets around the world, these actors have brought significant attention and interest to their respective DC films. However, the crucial difference lies in the audience's prior investment in Momoa's portrayal of Aquaman. Beginning with a cameo in 2016's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and continuing with prominent roles in Justice League, Aquaman, Zack Snyder's Justice League, as well as cameos in Peacemaker and The Flash, Momoa's Aquaman has cultivated a loyal and dedicated fan base.
In contrast, Black Adam, being a new character in the DCEU, lacked the same level of established investment. Additionally, the film received poor critical reception, further hindering its potential success. Furthermore, Black Adam faced tough competition from the Marvel Cinematic Universe's highly anticipated film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which debuted only a few weeks after its release. With superior box office performance and critical reception, Wakanda Forever overshadowed Black Adam and proved to be a strong contender in the superhero film landscape.
Unlike Black Adam, there have been no other major superhero film releases during the theatrical run of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. As a result, the sequel has benefited from a relatively light release schedule in January, allowing it to continue making significant progress at the box office.
The success of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in surpassing a previous DC film's global gross demonstrates the enduring popularity and consistent fan support that Jason Momoa's Aquaman has garnered in the DCEU. As the final installment in this series, the film is making notable strides towards financial success, proving that the underwater hero remains a beloved and compelling character in the superhero genre.
