While many are incredibly excited for Aquaman 2, it faced some fierce competition in 2022, meaning its delay until 2023 is actually a good move.
Warner Bros. has delayed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and this move saved the movie from some massive competition. The film was originally set to be released on December 16, 2022, the same day as another tent-pole blockbuster: Avatar 2. The delay of Aquaman 2 may help it significantly, as it may not have fared well against the sequel to one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Aquaman 2 is a sequel to the 2018 film, and it follows the titular superhero as he attempts to save the kingdom of Atlantis. Although not much is known about the highly-anticipated sequel, most of the cast members are currently set to return. After this delay, though, viewers will have to wait a little longer before the Atlantean hero once again graces the big screen.
Aquaman's box office success was a surprise to many when the original came out. The film was released after a string of box office failures for DC, such as Justice League, which makes its success even more notable. However, beating Avatar 2 is a major feat for any film, and some worry that Aquaman 2 may not have been up to the task. The 2023 slot that Aquaman 2 is now filling is a much safer time for the film. Although Avatar 2 was most likely not the reason for Aquaman 2's delay, the movie is sure to pay off in the long run.
There are many factors that make Avatar 2 dangerous for Aquaman 2's success. For one, Avatar is a technical marvel. The original film was mainly a success because of its effects, with its incorporation of 3D being a major selling point for the film. Avatar 2 is also using new underwater mo-cap technology, making it even more of a direct competitor to Aquaman 2. While fans love lots about Aquaman, its visual effects were often criticized by audiences. Some viewers claim that the underwater characters and creature designs range from goofy to bad. Although some think that the camp is intentional, Aquaman 2 would require significant upgrades to its CGI if it wanted to stand side by side with Avatar 2. The first Avatar film is known for its grandiose effects, so if Aquaman 2 had kept its original release date, it may have been setting itself up for some unwanted comparisons.
On top of the content of the film itself, Avatar has another one up on Aquaman 2: it is an event movie. Avatar is not only a household name, but it was the highest-grossing movie of all time for several years. Even after being dethroned by Avengers: Endgame, Avatar reclaimed its box office record, showing the power that the film has. If Endgame, the conclusion to the MCU's Infinity Saga, couldn't hold off Avatar, it is highly unlikely that Aquaman 2 will beat its sequel. Avatar is known for its box office legacy, and the opportunity to be part of that again will draw many viewers into theaters to see Avatar 2. On the other hand, Aquaman 2 is another superhero movie, one of the most over saturated genres in the market. A huge number of superhero movies are released every year, and, while many do love it, the Aquaman property is not the best option to go up against Avatar 2. By moving the film to 2023, Warner Bros. could be saving Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom from the sequel to the highest-grossing film of all time, Avatar 2.
Key Release Dates
- Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (2023)Release Date: Mar 17, 2023
- Avatar 2 (2022)Release Date: Dec 16, 2022
