Aquaman 2 Just Got Delayed Yet Again
Not again!
If you were looking forward to seeing Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (aka Aquaman 2) next Spring, we have some disappointing news for you. Scheduled for release March 17th, 2023, Deadline is now reporting that the highly anticipated sequel has been shifted nine months further to December 25th, 2023 because “it needs more time in post production.” This marks the second delay for the film after it was previously bumped from its original December 22nd, 2022 release date due to production halts caused by Covid-19.
Aquaman was released in December 2018. Not only was the movie a massive success for Warner Bros., but it was a huge win for the DC Extended Universe after a string of subpar releases such as Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Justice League. If we’re being honest, Aquaman deserves a large chunk of credit for keeping Warner Bros.’ hopes for a shared cinematic universe alive. Not surprising to anyone, the studio was quick to give Aquaman 2 the greenlight.
Due to the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, there’s been quite a bit of chaos behind the scenes at the company. We’ve seen movies getting axed, several shows being pulled from HBO Max, and seemingly countless release dates shuffled. Although it’s doesn’t appear that the merger has anything to do with Aquaman 2 being delayed, the Jame’s Wan directed sequel isn’t the only DCEU feature being shifted.
According to Deadline, David F. Sandberg’s Shazam: Fury of the Gods will be moving from its December 21st, 2022 release date into Aquaman 2’s previous date. This will apparently allow the sequel, which sees the return of Zachary Levi as the title character, to steer clear of Avatar: Way of the Water. Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery hopes for the same kind of success The Batman experienced with a March release.
The news of Aquaman 2 being delayed yet again is undoubtedly devastating to fans, but there is a bright side. Amber Heard, who reprises her role as Mera in the film, is still making headlines due to her on-going court battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp. With Heard’s very public legal battle bringing some unwanted, negative press to the upcoming sequel, a prolonged release date could be a blessing in disguise. Perhaps by next December, the on-going court drama between the two actors will be a thing of the past. We can only hope!
Now arriving December 25th, 2023, Aquaman 2 will see our aquatic hero forging an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally to protect Atlantis, and the world, from irreversible devastation after an ancient power is unleashed. The sequel will see the return of Jason Momoa (Arthur Curry/Aquman), Patrick Wilson (King Orm), Amber Heard (Mera), Dolph Lundgren (King Nereus), Temuera Morrison (Tom Curry), Nicole Kidman (Atlanna) and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (David Kane/Black Manta). It was also recently confirmed by Momoa that Ben Affleck would be appearing in the film as his version of Bruce Wayne/Batman from Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. James Wan returns to direct from a script by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. Keep your fingers crossed we don’t see anymore delays!
