DC fans are beginning to express concern over the lack of promotion for the upcoming film “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” With only three months until its release, there have been no official marketing materials, including first-looks or teaser trailers. This has led to speculation among fans that the studio, Warner Bros., is intentionally sidelining actors Jason Momoa and Amber Heard in anticipation of a potential box office bomb.
One fan theory, put forth by insider KC Walsh of The GWW, suggests that Warner Bros. is being cautious with the marketing for “Aquaman 2” because they believe the film will be poorly received and lose money. This lack of confidence in the film’s potential success may explain why the studio is not allocating a significant marketing budget to promote it. While it is unclear whether Walsh’s theory is based on insider information or merely his own speculation, his words have gained traction among comic-centric outlets.
This cautious approach from Warner Bros. is not surprising considering the recent performance of DC superhero films at the box office. Films like “Blue Beetle” failed to make a significant impact, and “The Flash,” a high-budget production starring Ezra Miller, performed abysmally. The failure of “The Flash” not only left Warner Bros. in the red but also raised concerns about the financial viability of future DC films.
Additionally, the production of “Aquaman 2” has faced numerous challenges, including a prolonged strike and ongoing controversy surrounding Amber Heard, one of the film’s stars. These factors, combined with director James Gunn’s revitalization of the DC Extended Universe, have created a complex landscape for Warner Bros. to navigate.
The budget for “Aquaman 2” has reportedly exceeded $200 million due to extensive reshoots during the pandemic. This substantial investment likely adds to the studio’s cautious approach, as they cannot afford another financial misstep. Warner Bros. may be waiting for a more opportune time to promote the film when they have a clearer sense of its potential success.
While Warner Bros. has had success with projects like “Barbie,” their struggles in other areas highlight the challenges they face in the competitive superhero film market. They must carefully balance their investments and ensure they can generate significant returns on their productions. The lack of marketing for “Aquaman 2” could be a strategic move to mitigate potential losses and preserve the franchise’s long-term viability.
Overall, the concerns expressed by DC fans regarding the sidelining of Jason Momoa and Amber Heard in the lead-up to “Aquaman 2” are not unfounded. Warner Bros. is operating in a challenging environment, and their cautious approach may be an indication of their lack of confidence in the film’s success. As the release date approaches, fans will likely receive more information, and the studio’s strategy will become clearer.
