Warner Bros. and DC Studios are set to test the waters of the Chinese box office with the release of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' on December 20, two days ahead of its North American debut. The first 'Aquaman' was a colossal success in China, earning $291.8 million in 2018 and standing as the highest-grossing DC movie globally. However, recent superhero releases, notably from Marvel and DC, have seen dwindling numbers in the Chinese market.
The original 'Aquaman,' starring Jason Momoa, made an impressive $93 million opening in China and continued to rake in $291.8 million. The film's success is a testament to director James Wan's box office prowess in the country. However, the landscape has shifted since the pandemic, with recent superhero releases struggling to replicate past successes.
Hollywood's superhero offerings, particularly sequels, have faced challenges in China recently. Disney's 'The Marvels' opened with a mere $11.5 million, marking an all-time low for an MCU opening weekend in the country. DC's 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' and 'The Flash' also underperformed, raising questions about the appeal of Western superhero narratives in the Chinese market.
'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' is poised to benefit from the recent resolution of the SAG-AFTRA strike, allowing its stars, including Jason Momoa, to engage in traditional promotional activities. While plans for promotional visits to China remain unannounced, the film's cast, including Momoa and Amber Heard, had visited Beijing for the premiere of the first 'Aquaman' in 2018.
Analysts suggest that Hollywood studios have faced challenges due to a lack of focused local marketing campaigns in the post-pandemic era. Christopher Nolan's visit to Beijing for 'Oppenheimer' is highlighted as one of the few successful U.S. box office surprises in China this year. Nolan's historical drama earned $62 million, emphasizing the potential impact of targeted marketing efforts.
Despite the tumultuous journey to release for 'The Lost Kingdom,' James Wan's reputation for box office success in China remains intact. His contributions to 'The Fast and The Furious' franchise have secured him a place among the biggest U.S. box office hits in the country.
'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' marks the final film in the DCEU's decade-long journey that began with 'Man of Steel' in 2013. Executives James Gunn and Peter Safran are set to launch their universe with 'Superman: Legacy' in July 2025, opening new possibilities for Hollywood's engagement with the Chinese audience. As the superhero narrative evolves, the success of 'Aquaman 2' could signal Hollywood's enduring appeal or challenges in the dynamic Chinese market.