The early buzz for Aquaman 2 is not in its favor as several insiders report the DCU sequel’s test screenings have failed to appeal to the audiences. In fact, people reportedly walked out in the middle, which has prompted fans’ concerns if this could be the last time Jason Momoa portrays the King of Atlantis role, as one journalist indicates it is a factor that’s convinced the DCEU actor to move forward as Lobo in James Gunn‘s Gods and Monsters world-building.
It looks like not even the multiple Batman cameos may be enough to save Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, a project that is still months from its release. James Wan is believed to be hard at work in the post-production process though going by recent insider statements, the Aquaman 2 cut showcased for test screening audiences failed to receive praise-worthy scores.
Insider Vieweranon was the first to claim that Aquaman 2 was “not as good as the first” according to test screening responses. Moreover, the second installment has already gone through “half a dozen of Test screenings”. This claim has since been backed up by other credible scoopers such as BSL claiming “I heard that something that almost never happened in test screenings”. Insider CanWeGetSomeToast responded by stating “People walked out” which is a rare occurrence.
Aquaman 2’s Jason Momoa is rumored to be exiting King of Atlantis role to play Lobo
Film journalist Jeff Sneider pitched in to say Aquaman 2 was “terrible” according to his sources and its failure would ultimately lead to Momoa’s exit to play Lobo instead. However, DC is apparently holding off on the announcement in hopes of earning the big bucks at the box office, similar to 2018’s Aquaman joining the billion-dollar club.
ViewerAnon on ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’: "I’ll be honest, we’re half a dozen test screenings in and it’s not looking great. I’ve consistently heard over the last half year or so that it’s boring, not as good as the first, and potentially one of the worst DCEU movies." from DCEUleaks
There’s a reason I’ve been avoiding any questions about AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM but since @ViewerAnon put it out there, It brings me no joy to back him up and tell you that test screenings for this film have not been good. Really hoping Wan fixes this movie before December.
— BSL 🎄 (@bigscreenleaks) February 20, 2023
I heard that something that almost never happened in test screenings happened with this movie. They’re really going to need to fix this one and fix it fast.
— BSL 🎄 (@bigscreenleaks) February 20, 2023
People walked out 🚶♂️ https://t.co/UxPv8lQ2Xt
— CanWeGetSomeToast (@CanWeGetToast) February 20, 2023
I hear it’s terrible and that’s why Momoa is gonna be Lobo going forward. But they can’t say that yet because then it would be a lame duck… and DC is hoping to wring another billion out of the box office. First one was awful too, so not a huge surprise. https://t.co/VlbUoqILDm
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) February 20, 2023
Aquaman 2 Bad
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) February 20, 2023
No just bad. No one was hating on Heard at the screening I hear
— MyTimeToShineHello (@MyTimeToShineH) February 20, 2023
Aquaman test screening news got me feeling like this pic.twitter.com/8k8GlewZVM
— Chief Mackenzie Bock (@GothamChief) February 20, 2023
People walked out of the Aquaman 2 screenings 💀💀💀💀💀 https://t.co/ny5eE5YOrX pic.twitter.com/AIlBR7kKvJ
— Nicholas (@NicholasPascar5) February 20, 2023
If Aquaman 2 is a miss, that could make it Jason Momoa’s Superman IV.
Similar to Reeve with that film, Momoa helped to write this sequel and he wanted to use Aquaman’s world and characters to tell an allegorical story about ending the destruction of Mother Earth by humans.
— Superman On Film (@SupermanOnFilm) February 20, 2023
Jesus Christ I feel so bad for James Wan. If Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is bad and a mess I'm not even going to blame him. He had to deal with a huge regime change, releasing the movie after The Flash then before the Flash then back to after. Cutting down Amber Heard's role pic.twitter.com/0zGAVoxhWb
— T'Challa Fan (@2TChalla2Stan) February 20, 2023
People walk out of test screenings for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Must be the worst movie ever.
— Sharon ⚡️#FlashPack (@Sharito742) February 20, 2023
IDGAF about Scooper Madness claiming Aquaman 2 is "the worst DCEU movie ever" based on test screenings.
Test screenings are useless unless you're in them, and even then it's iffy.
Same goes for The Flash too, just so we're clear. We still might hate it. 🤷🏾♂️ #ItsAllSubjective
— TheFliteCast (@TheFliteCast) February 20, 2023
I don’t know what changed with Aquaman, but months back I was told the sequel is very much just like the first film. Granted, the first film was mixed received, I loved the first film a lot, so I guess that’s where I place my expectations of cause I know some HATE that movie😭
— AJ | 🏳️🌈 | Flash Era | (@AjepArts) February 20, 2023
A friendly reminder that (good or bad) Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom IS a part of the new DCU pic.twitter.com/xyePzCdrUE
— Block A the Conqueror ⏳ (@conquercomics) February 20, 2023
Let’s say the Aquaman rumors are true. What should they do in this situation? Pour more money into the movie and risk it staying bad or just rip the band aid off and release it as it is?
— Gays and Monsters (@whenbatmenfly) February 20, 2023
Something had to be up because how did James Wann make a boring aquaman movie 💀 https://t.co/qgTvItGzrA
— D🅰️hz🅰️n (@D4hz4hn) February 20, 2023
Yeah. Aquaman 2 was never going to be DCU canon. Lmao. pic.twitter.com/oq0OiNJcom
— Hernandy – El Saiyajìn Sin Amor (@Pollos_Hernandy) February 20, 2023
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has been long muddled in controversy due to Amber Heard’s involvement. Although scenes of Mera are still a part of the last Kingdom, it does not seem to be the influencing factor behind the bad test screening scores.
Unlike past DC Films, Aquaman 2 is expected to address the King of Atlantis’ fight against a man-made disaster, climate change – instead of otherworldly aliens like Steppenwolf or Darkseid posing a threat to Earth. Momoa also had a hand in developing the treatment for the sequel. Aquaman 2’s budget has already sky-rocketed to a whooping $205 million, which resulted in Warner Bros. co-chairperson Pamela Abdy instructing Wan to reduce the reshoots budget.
While a Lobo feature was not part of the DC Studios’ Chapter 1 announcement, one scooper indicates the Superman villain project is already in development. It has prompted hopes for the cigar-chomping alien’s debut in Superman: Legacy.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will arrive in theaters on December 25.
