Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Budget
The much-anticipated sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, directed by the renowned James Wan, is set to hit theaters on December 22. Following the success of the 2018 DC hit, Aquaman, cinephiles are eagerly placing their bets on this cinematic venture. This comprehensive review aims to unravel everything you need to know before strapping in for the sequel.
What are the box office expectations for Aquaman 2?
Aquaman stands out as the crowning achievement in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), clinching the title of the highest-grossing film.
With the upcoming sequel scheduled for release on December 22nd, timed around Christmas, the studio is optimistic about a resounding comeback. Aquaman grossed $1.1 billion around the world. And for Aquaman 2, industry reports project a substantial $50–$60 million in earnings at the North American box office.
However, despite these optimistic projections, there’s a shadow of underperformance. Aquaman’s first outing achieved a robust $67.87 million during its opening weekend, surpassing the current forecast. Thus, reports suggest that Aquaman 2 might pull in even less than The Flash on opening day.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Shoot Location:
In 2021, filming commenced at London’s Leavesden Studios in the afternoon under the title Necrus. Most of the filming occurred at this location before transitioning to Hawaii for on-location shooting until December 9. Subsequently, the production moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, and later to Los Angeles. The filming process concluded on January 12, 2022, in Malibu.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Cast and Production:
Starring in this sequel is Jason Momoa in the role of Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, the current ruler of Atlantis and a half-Atlantean/half-human figure. Patrick Wilson takes on the character of Orm Marius, the former king of Atlantis and Arthur’s half-brother. Despite controversies, Amber Heard portrays Mera, Arthur’s wife, the Queen of Atlantis, and the daughter of King Nereus, also known as the mother of Arthur Jr.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II plays David Kane on the antagonist side, portraying the formidable character Black Manta. Additionally, Nicole Kidman takes on the role of Atlanna, the mother of both Arthur and Orm and the former queen of Atlantis.
We will also get to see Dolph Lundgren again as Nereus, the king of Xebel and Mera’s father. Randall Park returns as Dr. Stephen Shin, a marine biologist obsessed with discovering Atlantis, continuing from Aquaman (2018). Temuera Morrison plays Tom Curry, Arthur’s father, and a lighthouse keeper. Vincent Regan appears as Atlan, the first king of Atlantis. Jani Zhao takes on the role of Stingray. Indya Moore is cast as Karshon. Pilou Asbæk has an undisclosed role in the movie.
Jason Momoa initiated the concept for an Aquaman (2018) sequel. By January 2019, with Aquaman poised to become the highest-grossing DC Comics character film, Warner Bros. entered talks with Wan to oversee and potentially direct the sequel.
In February 2019, Warner Bros. enlisted Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald to craft the script for The Trench, an Aquaman spin-off exploring one of the kingdoms introduced in the first film. David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick joined as the screenwriter. Wan and Safran produced the sequel, leaving the directorial role uncertain.
At the close of February, Warner Bros. set the release date for Aquaman 2 on December 16, 2022. Safran later clarified in the following month that they opted for a deliberate pace, and Warner Bros. supported this approach, resulting in a four-year gap between the first and second films.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Budget, star-cast salary:
With its substantial budget and the success of the first Aquaman film, box office enthusiasts are optimistic about the film’s potential to achieve significant success, continuing the legacy of the DCEU. The film had an estimated budget of $205 million.
Jason Momoa, riding on the wave of Aquaman’s monumental success, is the highest-paid member of the Aquaman 2 cast. He received a whopping $7.5 million to an impressive $15 million, which almost doubled the salary he received for the previous part. Conversely, Amber Heard, the leading lady from the first installment, appears to have faced a reduction in her role in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Amidst the controversy surrounding her legal battle with Johnny Depp, she is notably absent from promotional materials.
Her paycheck remains unchanged at $2 million, mirroring her earnings from the initial film. Nicole Kidman, acclaimed for her portrayal of Atlanta, secures the position of the second highest-paid cast member, with earnings amounting to $5 million. Patrick Wilson, playing Orm Marius, matches Amber Heard’s total earnings at $2 million, while Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, in the role of Black Manta, commands a notable $750K for his compelling performance. Dolph Lundgren, reprising his role as Nereus, is reportedly compensated $500K for his part in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Notably, Randall Park and Temuera Morrison charge $300K and $200K, respectively.
Who is playing Mera ahead of Heard and Depp’s controversy?
There’s a significant buzz surrounding Amber Heard’s role as Mera in Aquaman 2. After the film’s release, concerns about Heard’s on-screen chemistry with Momoa led to discussions about her potential departure. However, these considerations were set aside following intervention by her former partner, Elon Musk. After facing backlash from the audience due to her court trial with Johnny Depp in 2022, petitions and social media storms were calling for her ban from “Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom.” However, director Wan clarified in interviews that Heard will reprise her role as Mera, likely for the final time. Due to controversies and public backlash, Wan decided to limit Heard’s screen time in the Aquaman sequel.
In a statement, Wan emphasized that the movie’s focus would shift towards the relationship between Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) and his brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), addressing the confusion among the audience about Mera’s involvement.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom trailer review:
Fast forward four years of tranquility, and a new, more formidable evil emerges. The trailer unfolds, portraying Arthur as a responsible father, husband, son, and Atlantis king. Struggling to harmonize his dual roles, he resides in a picturesque lighthouse.
The teaser offers a glimpse of the vibrant undersea habitat, flourishing with life, exotic creatures, and plants. “Half a billion people call this place home,” yet not everyone admires him. Arthur acknowledges, “But that doesn’t mean they all like me.” This cryptic statement hints at potential traitors among ostensibly friendly faces. However, we rule out Orm as a suspect.
Black Manta makes a return in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” donning a menacing black armored suit with a singular intention — the destruction of everything dear to Aquaman. Despite his previous defeat, Manta emerges even more formidable, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
Throughout the trailer, keen observers can discern poignant details, notably the presence of two contrasting colors — emerald green and fiery yellow. This visual motif adds depth and symbolism, potentially tied to the narrative and the mysterious Black Trident, a significant element in the sequel. Atlanta reveals a historical curse upon the seven kingdoms during King Atlanta’s reign. The curse, laden with magical powers, was broken by the king himself. Fans speculate that Black Manta’s resurgence may be linked to the revival of this curse, with theories suggesting involvement by David.
Some fans posit that David, rescued by Dr. Stephen Shin, a marine scientist fixated on Atlantis, strikes a deal with Shin. In exchange for assistance in seeking revenge on Arthur, David agrees to lead Shin to Atlantis.
“It must be stopped or else a global meltdown is imminent” With the stakes high, he turns to an unlikely ally – his imprisoned oceanic kin, Orm. Despite harboring grudges against Arthur, Orm rises to the occasion, choosing redemption over animosity. Orm, confined in a desolate desert, recognizes the gravity of the situation and agrees to aid Aquaman.
We glimpse a lighthouse reduced to ashes. Interestingly, a deeper look reveals everyone emerging unharmed, hinting at a pivotal moment that could trigger Arthur’s escalating anger. Black Manta’s destructive path adds a layer of suspense, promising high-stakes confrontations.
Director James Wan fulfills his promise of bromance, showcasing the duo, Arthur and Orm, embarking on a journey to decipher the mysteries surrounding the trident. The line “Don’t call me brother” introduces a lingering bitterness, suggesting unresolved conflicts. However, amidst the tension, heartwarming moments of laughter and bonding emerge, underscoring the complexity of their relationship.
” He means to end the bloodlines” The trailer indicates a threat to Arthur’s family and the potential end of his bloodline. The presence of advanced weapons, giant mystic creatures, and jaw-dropping fight sequences heightens the stakes.
A significant moment shows Arthur, sans his bodysuit, struggling under a giant rock, raising questions about a potential loss of powers at some point in the narrative.
The fate of Arthur Jr. or Aquababy remains a head-scratching point. While DC comics hint at tragedy, the trailer keeps this revelation under wraps, leaving viewers eager to uncover the entire plot.