Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom faces another release date shift and to keep eager DC fans sated, director James Wan has released a couple of concept arts teasing Arthur Curry’s (Jason Momoa) new challenges in the vibrant underwater world. One design shows the King of Atlantis fighting Yahya Abdul Mateen II’s Black Manta.
Wan released ten artworks teasing the world-building for Aquaman 2 which includes exploring the surface world as well. An image shows Arthur Curry tangled up by a Jelly-Fish type creature but it should be noted the same design was showcased in the DC FanDome 2021 BTS clip. Nonetheless, the concept arts assure new “weird and wonderful characters and creatures” as Wan puts it.
While most of the artist’s impressions just tease the expansive underwater world, one artwork shows an all-out battle on the entrance bridge of Atlantis. DCEU aficionados would remember Mera saying the Gateway Bridge is a remnant of the Old World and it’s the only access point to the Kingdom. From the looks of it, Black Manta is bringing the war to the gates of Atlantis. Readers can check it out below.
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The release delay seems to be due to the ongoing VFX work since Wan stressed “I need the time to do it right” on his social media post. In fact, the director was relieved when Warner Bros. changed the earlier premiere date which had Aquaman 2 scheduled for December 16, 2022. Though on the bright side, the sequel has once again secured its Christmas release in 2023. It can be argued that 2018’s Aquaman received a good start at the box office due to its Holiday release and ended with a $1.1 billion worldwide theatrical run.
Warner Bros. Discovery delaying major films for 2023 has come under scrutiny after THR’s Borys Kit reported that the decision was made since the studio’s budget constrains them to release only Don’t Worry Darling and Black Adam for 2022.
On the bright side for Warner Bros. Discovery, Aquaman 2 dodges facing the PR damage from Amber Heard’s Mera role for the time being. There’s been a growing request to see her character scrubbed from the Last Kingdom.
Aquaman 2’s new release date puts it ahead of The Flash, raising more questions about Ben Affleck’s Batman cameo. Insiders and trade outlets claimed Michael Keaton’s Dark Knight appearance was removed from Aquaman 2 after test screening audiences were confused.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will hit theatres on December 23, 2023.
