Aquaman, released in 2018, was a massive success at the box office, grossing over $1.1 billion worldwide. Directed by James Wan and starring Jason Momoa in the titular role, the film marked a turning point for the DC Extended Universe, which had previously struggled to find its footing against Marvel’s cinematic universe. With the film’s success, a sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, was quickly greenlit.
However, recent rumors suggest that the upcoming sequel may not live up to its predecessor, with star Jason Momoa reportedly considering leaving the franchise altogether. According to a report by insider Jeff Sneider, test screenings for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom have gone very poorly, with some viewers even walking out. Sneider also claims that Momoa is not happy with the film’s quality and plans to move on to a different project. “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,” Sneider said.
For those unfamiliar with the character, Lobo is a cosmic mercenary and bounty hunter who often clashes with heroes in the DC universe. Momoa has expressed interest in playing Lobo in the past, and it seems likely that he would take the opportunity to move on from Aquaman if the rumors about the sequel are true.
The news of Momoa’s potential departure from the Aquaman franchise has led many fans to speculate about what it could mean for the future of the series. Peter Safran, the producer of the Aquaman films, has previously hinted that the franchise could extend to a third film, with Momoa himself stating that he had always envisioned the character as a trilogy. However, with the negative feedback towards the upcoming sequel and Momoa’s reported willingness to move on, hopes for a third film may be dashed.
If Momoa does indeed take on the role of Lobo, it could signal a new direction for the DC Extended Universe. The upcoming film Superman: Legacy, set for release in 2025, is rumored to feature Lobo as the main villain. This could set the stage for a new phase in the DC universe, with Momoa’s Lobo potentially appearing in other films and taking on a larger role in the franchise.
It’s worth noting that these rumors are just that – rumors. Until Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is released and reviewed by critics and audiences, it’s impossible to say whether or not the film will live up to expectations. However, if the rumors are true and Momoa does leave the franchise, it would be a significant blow for DC and the future of the Aquaman series.
The rumors surrounding Jason Momoa’s potential departure from the Aquaman franchise have sparked a wave of speculation about the future of the series. With the sequel reportedly failing to impress in test screenings, it seems likely that Momoa will move on to other projects, possibly taking on the role of Lobo. Only time will tell what the future holds for Aquaman and the DC Extended Universe, but fans are surely eager to see what comes next.
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