It seems that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is going to have an earlier-than-expected digital release. If reports doing the rounds are to be believed , the sequel to Aquaman is all set to arrive on VOD and digital platforms on January 23. This comes just one month after the movie’s worldwide theatrical premiere in December.
(Also Read: Who is Daniel Radcliffe’s girlfriend? All you need to know about Erin Darke)
Lost Kingdom’s Box Office Fate
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom fell short of the success achieved by its predecessor at the box office. Although it has earned $375 million globally, the original 2018 film surpassed this with over $1.1 billion, making it the highest-grossing DC movie to date.
Although $375 million is a substantial amount, the movie has faced harsh criticism, earning a 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Dolph Lundgren, portraying Nereus in the film, had indicated that reshoots negatively impacted the storyline, particularly affecting both his and Amber Heard’s roles.
In an interview with Comic Book, the actor was quoted as saying, “I just realized that it was some kind of corporate decision that they tried to limit Amber Heard, and then I’m playing her dad and went along with it.” He went on to express disappointment on behalf of the moviegoers and said that he believed the original script was excellent. Having seen a snippet of the original cut, he also acknowledged its impressive quality.
(Also Read: Arnold Schwarzenegger held at Munich airport over luxury watch, criminal proceedings initiated)
Aquaman Sequel Faces Backlash
After the highly publicized defamation trial involving Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, online petitions emerged, calling for the removal of the actress from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Although Heard does make an appearance in the second film, her time on screen is restricted to less than 20 minutes.
Warner Bros and director James Wan, who resumed leadership for the sequel, have dismissed assertions that Amber Heard’s reduced role in the film is a response to public protests.