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Blockbuster comic-book-movies are under lots of pressure to perform. This is because of market oversaturation and the fact that comic book movies have matured as the 21st century marches on. The pressure is even more intense on sequels to origin-story-films.
Sometimes, this pressure on sequel films can create a diamond. Perhaps the best example of this is 2008’s The Dark Knight, which followed the lukewarm success of 2005’s Batman Begins with significant acclaim and flair. Additionally, 2013’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier is still widely regarded as one of the best Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films to date. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is nine years old, and there are 27 MCU films as of this writing.
Other times, this pressure causes a sequel film to crack. This was unfortunately true for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film Wonder Woman 1984. The film had a poor script, overly campy dialogue, and was an all-around mess. It was not well-received by fans or critics. Later this year, another DCEU series will feel the pressure to release a worthy sequel film. That project is Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The film is being directed by James Wan, the acclaimed director behind the first Aquaman film. Aquaman was praised for its use of underwater filming technology. However, the film was a much larger financial success than it was a cultural phenomenon. There are several things that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom can do in order to better the franchise.
Dive Deeper Into Atlantis, Both in Myth and in Practice
Origin stories often just scratch the surface of a character’s mythos. This is because they have to ‘set the table’ so to speak. The introduction of characters, places, and conflicts take up a lot of time for introductory films.
Aquaman is no exception to this rule. The film spent an exorbitant amount of time explaining Aquaman’s power set, introducing characters, and revealing Aquaman’s backstory. Though the movie explored Atlantis and engaged in some of the fictional kingdom’s mythos, it did not do so in great depth.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom should embrace Atlantis fully. Though the film promises to be a globetrotting one, it should ground itself in Atlantis to make it seem like the fully realized center of Aquaman’s world.
Embrace the Horrors of The Trench
There are seven kingdoms in Aquaman lore. The most horrific of the bunch is The Trench, which is located in the Mariana Trench. It is home to part-human, part-predatory-fish-creatures that come from deep within its depths. This kingdom was explored in the inaugural story arc of writer Geoff Johns’ Aquaman comic book run in 2011.
Warner Brothers and James Wan would be wise to implement some of Johns’ ideas into Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The best part of the original Aquaman film is when Aquaman and Mera have to fight against the creatures of The Trench under the night sky on rocky seas. It was a scene worthy of the horror genre, and its tone is worth emulating in the second Aquaman film.
Give Black Manta his Due as a Top-Tier DC Supervillain
DC Comics has had a lot of fantastic supervillains in its 88-year history. From the Joker to General Zod to Ares, DC supervillains are devious, cruel, and power-hungry. Aquaman’s archnemesis is Black Manta. This supervillain blames Aquaman for the death of his father. In reality, Aquaman killed Black Manta’s father in combat as an act of self-defense.
Unlike many supervillains, Black Manta is not nearly as powerful as the superhero he faces off against. Black Manta has to rely on his wits and advanced technology to square off against the King of Atlantis. Warner Brothers has a real chance to focus on Black Manta’s backstory and motivations, and can make him a household name in the process. It does not hurt that Black Manta is portrayed by the extremely talented Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
Intertwine Aquaman with the Larger DCEU
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Aquaman was entirely independent of other DCEU superheroes and their stories. This made sense, as the film was an origin story. There was no need for Bat-boats or Kryptonians or Amazons in the story. However, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom should bring in characters from the larger DCEU. After all, Aquaman is set to traverse the Earth in this project, and he will likely need help in his adventures – particularly on land.
Imagine if Aquaman was to enlist the help of Wonder Woman or the Flash. Wonder Woman is a formidable ally, unmatched in her combat prowess. The Flash has the godlike ability to travel faster than the speed of light. It also helps that Aquaman has experience teaming up with both of these characters back in Justice League.
Aquaman was a decent film, but Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom can improve upon its success in many ways. The first film brought in over a billion dollars, but lacked anything to set it apart in an overpopulated genre. By embracing Atlantean mythology, creating an aura similar to a horror film, giving more screen time to Black Manta, and making the film feel like a part of a shared film universe, James Wan and company can make Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom a smashing success.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to debut in theaters on December 16th, 2022.