Aquaman’ sequel struggles at box office, ‘Wonka’ emerges victorious
The Aquaman Sequel Struggles as “Wonka” Dominates the Box Office
The highly anticipated sequel to “Aquaman” is facing challenges at the box office, while Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” continues to dominate not only the Christmas season but also the New Year weekend.
“Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” has earned $81.8 million as of New Year’s Day, a far cry from the original film’s $215.4 million during the same time period in 2018. The Hollywood Reporter noted that the first film went on to make $1.2 billion globally.
Since its release on December 22, the Jason Momoa-led superhero film has fallen short of expectations, earning only $27 million over the Christmas weekend and an additional $23.5 million over the four-day New Year weekend.
However, the movie seems to be performing slightly better overseas, with a total of $173.6 million as of Monday, according to Box Office Mojo.
Box Office: ‘Wonka’ Beats ’Aquaman 2′ in Final 2023 Matchup https://t.co/AYr465yfxt
— Variety (@Variety) December 31, 2023
Meanwhile, the clear winner of both holiday weekends is the Timothée Chalamet-led film, “Wonka,” which tells the backstory of the beloved fictional chocolatier Willy Wonka. This latest remake, based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” follows in the footsteps of the 1971 adaptation “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and the 2005 remake directed by Tim Burton.
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Following the long Christmas weekend, “Wonka” brought in an impressive $102.5 million domestically, according to Variety. The film continued to perform well, earning an additional $29.5 million at the domestic box office after New Year’s Day, bringing its total to $140.2 million as of Monday.
Warner Bros. also released another film over the holiday season, the Broadway musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel “The Color Purple.” Despite having less time in theaters since its December 25 release, the film has managed to accumulate $47.2 million domestically.
However, it’s worth noting that the box office numbers for these top movies pale in comparison to previous years, as Deadline magazine pointed out. In 2021, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “Avatar: The Way of the Water” in 2022 both surpassed $30 million in a single day after Christmas.
Related: ‘Aquaman’ Sequel Has Disappointing Christmas Opening, Bringing In Just $40M
Will “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” be able to overcome its sluggish start and find success in the coming weeks, or will it continue to struggle against the competition
January 3, 2023
The underwhelming performance of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” at the box office has caught the attention of movie enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Despite being one of the most anticipated sequels in recent years, the film has failed to replicate the success of its predecessor.
In contrast, Warner Bros.’ latest release, “Wonka,” has emerged as the reigning champion of the box office not only during the Christmas season but also over the New Year weekend. The film, which delves into the origins of the beloved chocolate factory owner, has captivated audiences and overshadowed “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” at the ticket counters.
The stark contrast in box office performance between the two films raises questions about the factors that contributed to “Aquaman” struggling while “Wonka” flourished. One possible explanation is the element of novelty surrounding “Wonka,” which offers a fresh take on a beloved character. The allure of learning the backstory of such an iconic figure seems to have resonated strongly with audiences, resulting in strong ticket sales.
On the other hand, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” faces the challenge of living up to the massive success of its predecessor. The first “Aquaman” film was a global phenomenon, grossing an impressive $1.2 billion worldwide after its release in 2018. The sequel inevitably carries the weight of high expectations and the burden of meeting or surpassing the previous film’s accomplishments.
Another contributing factor to the uneven box office performance could be the release date. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” was released on December 22, amidst stiff competition from other holiday releases. This crowded market may have diluted its potential audience and led to a weaker showing at the box office.
While the domestic box office figures paint a disappointing picture for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” there is a glimmer of hope in its international performance. The film has seen better success overseas, with a reported total of $173.6 million as of Monday, illustrating that the underwater superhero still has a dedicated fan base outside of the United States.
As the discussion surrounding the box office performance of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” continues, it begs the question of how the film will fare in the coming weeks. Will it be able to overcome its sluggish start and find its footing, or will it continue to struggle against the competition? Only time will tell.
Amidst this struggle, “Wonka” stands tall as a testament to the power of a fresh take on a beloved character. The success of the film reaffirms the notion that audiences are hungry for new and unique storytelling, even when it comes to well-known characters.
In the world of cinema, box office performance is often considered a measure of success, and the struggle faced by “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” presents an opportunity for reflection and analysis. It serves as a reminder that even the most highly anticipated sequels can face challenges, and that the ever-evolving tastes of audiences are not always predictable.
Ultimately, the success or failure of a film at the box office should not solely define its merit. Whether a film strikes a chord with audiences or not, it is a testament to the art of storytelling and the passion of those involved in its creation. As we continue to follow the journey of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” we are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the enduring allure of the silver screen.
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