Despite the challenges faced, Warner Bros was undeterred in creating a sequel to the colossal success that was the first Aquaman. Jason Momoa took an initiative, submitting a story treatment to the studio alongside his screenwriting partner, Thomas Pa’a Sibbett. However, following the overwhelming success of the first film, the reins were given entirely to James Wan for the sequel’s development and writing.
Supporting Wan was David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, and together, they developed a cohesive screenplay out of Momoa’s initial pitch. Peter Safran returned as a producer, adding another layer of consistency.
Key Takeaways:
– The sequel to the massively successful Aquaman was marred with several complications, including reshoots and an ever-changing landscape in the DCEU.
– Despite having submitted a 50-page treatment, Jason Momoa’s script was largely not utilized, with power being handed over to James Wan.
– Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom saw Black Manta seeking the power of the Black Trident to defeat Aquaman while also bringing attention to climate change issues.
– The film witnessed a change in dynamics between the characters, with Momoa and Wilson forming a bromance, and Orm transitioning from villain to ally.
– Amber Heard’s role as Mera was significantly reduced amidst a cloud of real-life controversies.
– Despite not being as successful compared to its prequel, audiences praised the sequel for its stunning visual effects and positive message.
High Stakes Under the Sea
The sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, depicted Arthur Curry’s struggle with fatherhood and kingship over Atlantis. The environmental crisis of melting polar ice caps, a result of Black Manta’s pursuit of power, provides a compelling backdrop against which our heroes must stand, underscoring the character of Aquaman as an environmental hero toward climate change issues.
Altered Dynamics and Controversy
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom brought about a shift in character dynamics. Jason Momoa reprised his role as Aquaman with the same charisma, whereas Patrick Wilson’s Orm transitioned from villain to ally, setting a solid foundation for an unlikely bromance.
The sequel also came with its share of controversy, primarily due to Amber Heard’s off-screen entanglement surrounding her divorce with Johnny Depp. Despite her significant role in the first film, Heard’s role as Mera was significantly reduced, leading to rumors of external pressure on Warner Bros.
An Unexplored Villain
Returning as Black Manta, Yahya Abdul-Matteen II portrayed his character’s continued vendetta against Arthur. Yet, Manta’s potential is once again overlooked as he repeatedly takes a backseat to more powerful antagonists. Remarkably, the film didn’t seize the opportunity to delve deeper into the comic book animosity between Aquaman and Manta, leaving the audience longing for a more substantial role for the menacing character.
More CGI and Less Reality
A notable element of the sequel was its extensive reliance on CGI to simulate underwater action. This led to a more artificial looking film, somewhat compromising the audience’s ability to suspend disbelief and immerse themselves in the underwater world.
A Disappointing Finale
Despite the efforts thrown into its production, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom performed weakly at the box office over its opening weekend. Critics were largely critical of the film, with it garnering a mere 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences were more forgiving, praising the film for its stunning visual effects and underlying positive message, securing an 81% audience rating.
While Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom served as the climax of the DCEU journey, it leaves one with a lingering sense of missed opportunities and unmet expectations, making it an anticlimactic end to an otherwise exciting adventure. One can only hope that the legacy of these characters will be better served in future cinematic exploits.
