Advertisement
Prior to its highly anticipated release, the sequel starring Jason Momoa, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, was already encountering stormy waters. It was a focal point in the high-profile 2022 defamation trial between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard. Heard alleged that her role as Mera, Aquaman’s romantic interest, had been significantly diminished after Depp’s legal team labeled her abuse allegations as false. This controversy cast a shadow over the film.
In October of the following year, an investigative piece by Variety shed light on unsettling accusations regarding the behavior of actors on the movie set. Once hailed as a franchise that bolstered the DC Extended Universe—having become the highest-grossing installment in the DCEU—the latest Aquaman installment, directed by James Wan, has now been deemed a “severe condemnation of the DC legacy” by Clarisse Loughrey, film critic at The Independent.
Critics have been unkind to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, citing its lack of originality and sincerity. The film is criticized for lacking the elements that make a movie engaging—fun, excitement, and emotional depth—failing to elicit a desire for further sequels. Some have gone as far as labeling it “painfully bad,” signifying a dismal conclusion to an already turbulent year for superhero cinema.
Worthitorwoke suggests that while Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom might warrant a watch when available for streaming, it falls short of justifying a movie theater ticket. Conversely, Forbes opines that the movie serves as a decent concluding chapter in the DCEU narrative, offering enough visual appeal to merit a big-screen experience.
As of January 4, 2025, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has garnered a mere 35% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, ranking it as the third-worst film in the DCEU. Reviews have been largely negative, with critics branding it as “painfully bad” and a “flop.” However, Collider suggests that the movie can be enjoyable when it leans into its absurdity, offering moments of entertainment amidst the criticisms.