Aquaman 2 Swims To $4.5 Million In Previews

(CTN News) – Aquaman is making a slow return to theaters, but its success at the box office remains uncertain.

The latest installment in the DC Universe, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” earned $4.5 million in Thursday previews at the domestic box office.

Unfortunately, this superhero sequel seems to be following the trend of recent disappointments in the DCEU.

Movies like “The Flash,” “Blue Beetle,” and “Shazam!” Fury of the Gods” failed to meet expectations during their box office runs.

Projections for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” estimate a four-day holiday weekend earning between $35 million to $40 million, including Christmas Day.

While this is lower than the $67 million opening of the original “Aquaman” in 2018, it’s important to note that the first film went on to make an impressive $335 million in North America and a staggering $1.15 billion globally.

Comparing Thursday previews, the first “Aquaman” earned $9 million. This year’s DC movies, “The Flash,” “Blue Beetle,” and “Shazam: Fury of the Gods,” had respective earnings of $9.7 million ($55 million opening), $3.3 million ($25.4 million opening), and $3.4 million ($30.5 million opening).

Last year’s “Black Adam” collected $7.6 million in previews and opened with $67 million. On the Marvel side, the most recent release, “The Marvels,” earned $6.6 million in previews and had a $47 million opening.

Overall, while “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” may not be off to a strong start, it’s important to remember that box office success can be unpredictable.

Jason Momoa’s Aquaman returns in the latest movie, teaming up with his brother Orm to defeat Black Manta. However, Momoa will not be part of the new DC Universe.

This weekend, “Migration,” “Anyone but You,” and “The Iron Claw” are hitting theaters. “Wonka” is expected to continue its success, earning $21 million to $23 million in its second weekend.

“Migration” is projected to earn $12 million to $15 million, with $1.5 million from previews. “The Iron Claw” and “Anyone but You” are expected to bring in $5 million to $6 million each, with “Anyone but You” earning $1.2 million from previews.

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