The Rotten Tomatoes score for the new sequel “Aquaman and the Last Kingdom” has been revealed.
The Aquaman sequel, which hits theaters on December 22nd, has faced major difficulties leading up to its release, from controversy surrounding one of its stars to multiple production delays. Shortly before the cinema premiere, the first reviews of the sequel are streaming in, painting a picture of how the film turned out. The result isn't great, as it starts poorly with a debut score of 36% at the time of writing. While there are some reviewers who had a great time with what is likely the final installment of the DCEU, they are currently in the minority as most others feel like the dying cinematic universe is leaving with a whimper, unfazed by the sequel.
Relative Jason Momoa shares his true thoughts on possibly never playing Aquaman again. Jason Momoa gets candid about his possible future as Aquaman after Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.“It's just disappointing that Momoa's final time as King of the Sea didn't make a bigger splash,” said Punch Drunk Critics reviewer Travis Hopson. Zach Pope of Zach Pope Reviews also noted, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is visual noise. Beautiful and incredible action cannot replace a superficial story without substance. The film feels violated in the editing and writing. I wanted more.” Critic David Ehrlich of IndieWire also suggested, “The Lost Kingdom becomes more and more formulaic as it delves deeper into its mythos, as if the film was stuck between being its own thing or nothing at all .”
Some critics aren't quite as harsh
The film is now being praised by other critics. “This neon-colored addition to the DC superhero world fills the need for stories that are straightforward and full of action rather than backstory,” John Lui of The Straits Times said of the film, pleased with the clear and straightforward plot. ComicBook.com's Jenna Anderson added of Momoa's Aquaman: “An enjoyable, broadly entertaining time with a character whose portrayal on the big screen was one of the DCEU's rare successes.” “It's a cinematic chapter in a silly but satisfying way, thanks to its freewheeling attitude and committed ensemble cast.”
The first clip from Aquaman 2 reveals Arthur and Orm's prison break. The first clip from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom reunites Orm with his half-brother, the eponymous King of the Seven Seas.Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom concludes the DCEU
There are no plans for the DCEU to continue beyond this film. That might have changed if the film had received a better response, as Jason Momoa has hinted that he might get the chance to play Aquaman again if “people love Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” The early reviews are not a promising sign that the film will be well received by moviegoers, although the audience rating can sometimes differ drastically from the Tomatometer rating, so all hope is not lost.
“If the audience loves it [the new movie], then there is a possibility. But right now I'm like, 'It doesn't look too good,'” Momoa admitted in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. He added that he “doesn't necessarily want it to be the end…” [but] I don't think it's really a choice.
James Wan directed Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. It was written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, who collaborated on the story with Wan, Momoa and Thomas Pa'a Sibbett. The film stars Momoa, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison and Nicole Kidman.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will officially premiere in theaters on December 22, 2023.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes