Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom: The DCEU Does Not Go Out With a Bang

It’s no news at this point, that what started as the DCEU with 2013’s Man of Steel is finally at an end. Though a lot can be said about what went down with the franchise as a whole. This article is clearly more focused on what Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom did to wrap up the franchise. As its last entry.

Of all the four films that led to the final of the DCEU, none was more uncertain that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The sequel to the highly successful Aquaman, started out as a promising fixture for the future of the DCEU.

However, when the franchise itself became a bloated and out-of-control mess. This movie had to deal with that baggage, even though it largely shys away from admitting it. Hence, the result is a sequel that feels not only out of touch with the franchise but also itself.

While James Wan and Company made the clever decision of giving Aquaman his own canvas to play with. Even as far back as the first film. This sequel came in at huge turning point for the DC cinematic brand. And as such, still largely disregarding the existence of external in-universe happenings. Puts the movie and the comprehension by audiences in a puzzling state.

In other words, since this movie for better or worse is coming after the multiversal shakeup of The Flash and leading into the DCU. It should have at the least found a way to incorporate or acknowledge such events, rather than setup a potential follow-up story. Which won’t be paid off by any means.

As well, at this point Warner should temper expectations as regards the revenue this movie will bring in. Because if the current trends are anything to go by, the audience has already made it clear and Warner had better deliver on Superman: Legacy.

In fact, Arris Quinones of Variant Comics has gone on record stating that Superman: Legacy arguably has more expectations to live up to than Avengers: Endgame ever did.

Once again, with faith currently lost in DC cinematic outings via the 2023 DC film box office revenues. Superman: Legacy is expected to serve as a the final ‘hail Mary’ that will ignite public interest back to the brand.

It’s a lot to ask for, but with a let down this severe. The rectification must also go above and beyond.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is currently playing in cinemas.
Superman: Legacy opens in cinemas July 11, 2025.