The Flash Won’t Be DC’s Biggest Movie in 2023; Aquaman 2 Will
Aquaman 2 has the potential to surpass The Flash by emulating the initial film’s surprising triumph at the box office in 2023.
Despite The Flash generating significant anticipation and receiving positive reviews, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom possesses the opportunity to become DC’s most triumphant film of 2023.
DC movies have experienced a tumultuous journey at the box office for an extended period. While movies like The Dark Knight achieved record-breaking success, there have also been failures like Green Lantern.
Similarly, for each successful DCEU entry like Wonder Woman, there have been significant disappointments like Wonder Woman 1984 or Shazam: Fury of the Gods.
The reception of DCEU movies has been intricate as well. For example, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the second-highest-grossing film in the franchise, yet it remains one of the most polarizing entries among DC fans, critics, and the general audience.
In contrast, The Suicide Squad garnered significantly better reviews than Suicide Squad and Black Adam, but its box office performance fell short of matching its positive reception. Similarly, The Flash possesses all the essential components to emerge as the top film in the DCEU’s box office rankings. However, there is still a possibility of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom surpassing it.
The Biggest DC Film Since The Dark Knight Rises Was Aquaman (So The Sequel Should Do Well)
The Dark Knight not only set new standards for DC movies but also for superhero films in general, both in terms of critical acclaim and commercial triumph. Unsurprisingly, The Dark Knight’s monumental impact extended to its sequel, The Dark Knight Rises, which surpassed its predecessor at the box office despite receiving mixed reviews.
Following that, Marvel unequivocally dominated the superhero landscape with the Avengers movies and their interconnected Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However, to the surprise of many, James Wan’s Aquaman surpassed The Dark Knight and swiftly ascended to become one of the most successful DC films, securing a place among the highest-grossing superhero movies ever.
Before the 2018 film, Aquaman from DC faced ongoing ridicule due to his remarkable powers and vibrant costume. Additionally, the DCEU’s portrayal of Aquaman was limited to a brief cameo in the polarizing Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and a controversial appearance in the Justice League.
However, despite these challenges, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman swiftly emerged as a valuable asset for DC, making it logical to expect that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom can now replicate the first movie’s success and dominate the box office in 2023. This achievement is noteworthy considering the need for more well-defined selling points, such as Michael Keaton’s older Batman or the multiverse concept.
The Flash Faces Stronger Box Office Competition Than Aquaman 2
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom benefits from a notable advantage – the absence of intense competition in theaters. While its performance appeared uncertain during the COVID-19 pandemic, when release dates for significant blockbusters were constantly shifting (including a period of competition with Avatar: The Way of Water), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom now has a clear path to dominate the December 2023 box office.
With Wonka and Ghostbusters: Afterlife 2 less likely to replicate Aquaman’s phenomenal success and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon opting for a Netflix release, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom can freely claim its position.
The Flash generates significant anticipation due to its extensive development period, its potential impact on DC’s cinematic future, and the possibility of surprising twists and cameos. However, The Flash faces a challenging release schedule, opening two weeks after Sony’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, one week after Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and two weeks before Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Furthermore, The Flash’s release coincides with May’s Fast X and July’s Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part I. While The Flash possesses all the elements of a blockbuster summer film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with its established December slot, might once again defy expectations and offer a fresh experience.
The Flash Is Great, But It Has Issues That Aquaman 2 Doesn’t
The Flash has successfully surmounted a series of challenges occurring behind the scenes, including the ever-shifting plans of Warner Bros. for the DCEU, the intricate continuity of the franchise, the departure of crucial DC figures, and Ezra Miller’s controversial conduct preceding The Flash. However, there are still additional obstacles to overcome.
The alterations The Flash will bring to the DCEU’s timeline might polarize audiences, and the introduction of Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl in The Flash could be disheartening if they don’t have a lasting presence in the new DC Universe.
As Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a relatively self-contained film, its reception is expected to be influenced primarily by its script, performances, and visuals.
The potential controversy surrounding Amber Heard’s involvement in the Aquaman sequel may be the only point of concern. Still, even then, Mera’s role is likely to be too minor to have a significant impact on the overall film.
While The Flash has the potential to either achieve tremendous success or be a significant disappointment, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom could either replicate its previous triumph or fall short of surpassing its predecessor.
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What’s Happening With the Upcoming DC Films
Once again, it is not surprising that there has been confusion surrounding the status of Aquaman 2, particularly in light of the recent cancellation of Batgirl, which was initially planned for release on HBO Max featuring Leslie Grace.
Furthermore, the reports regarding negative test screenings for Aquaman 2 need to instill more confidence. Additionally, it is worth noting that Aquaman 2 is now scheduled to be released after The Flash, which is set to premiere on June 16th.
Considering that The Flash is expected to reset the DC Universe and lay the foundation for a new era, it remains uncertain which version of the DCU Aquaman 2 will ultimately be a part of.
Despite these factors, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is still anticipated to be released in theaters this Christmas, even though there are indications that Momoa may portray a new DC character in the coming years.
This suggests that he may depart from his role as the king of Atlantis after the upcoming sequel. If this is accurate, it is hoped that DC Studios will be able to conclude the Aquaman franchise on a positive and successful note.
