While Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom disappointed with a North American debut of only $28.1 million, the last film in the DCEU did enough to win the domestic weekend box office.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is expected to earn $40 million domestically over the Christmas holiday weekend, ComScore reports. Overseas, 2018's Aquaman sequel brought in another $80.1 million to bring its global tally to $120.1 million.
Not only was this performance behind the original Aquaman's $67.8 million opening weekend and MCU-worst The Marvel's $47.0 million, but two of the three DCEU films debuting this year, The Flash's $55 million and Shazam! Fury of the Gods' $30.1 million. However, it surpassed Blue Beetle's opening bow of $25.0 million.
The original Aquaman got off to a rough start for a DCEU movie in 2018, but gained momentum as the weeks progressed, taking in $1.1 billion at the global box office and $335 million in North America. As the James Gunn and Peter Safron-led DCU is officially the last film in the DCEU before it kicks off with Superman: Legacy, this film floats in different waters.
That's 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is significantly lower than the 66% the original earned. That being said, audience scores are very close at 72% for the sequel and 79% for the original.
In our Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom review, we wrote, “When Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is an Aquaman story, leaning into the silliness and family aspects of it all, it's fun. Interesting bits sandwiched between some ugly effects. A weird first act that feels cobbled together from a different movie.” “
Last weekend's box office hit Wonga came in second with $17.7 million. The prequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory now stands at $254.9 million worldwide.
Newcomer Migration was third with $12.3 million, Anyone But You was fourth with $6.2 million, and Salaar Part 1 – Ceasefire rounded out the top five with $5.4 million.
In our Migration review, it was “satisfying but not inspiring. Its animation and character dynamics are something the film and studio can be proud of. However, the need to be a money-making animated film robs it. Honesty and charm, things that have been missing from Illumination films for some time.”
In our Anyone But You review, “While Nobody But You is not a daring take on traditional romcom formulas, it turns out to be an infectiously honest and easily watchable movie, featuring a charming ensemble cast and excellent situational comedy.”
As for Salar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, it is an Indian Telugu language epic action film starring Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Shruti Haasan, Jagapathi Babu and directed by Prashant Neel. The film follows a coup d'état in a fictional city-state called Kanzar. In return, Khansar's prince enlists the help of the tribe, who calls on a friend to help protect his rule.
For more, check out Aquaman and our explanation of the end of the Lost Kingdom and the post-credits scene and the road map of the new DCU that's really about to begin.
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Adam Pankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst And on traction.
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