Despite much discussion, it looks like Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be holding onto its current release date. In the wake of the actor’s strike that has shut down Hollywood, reports have indicated that the DC sequel may be delayed to 2024. Now, a new report from Variety suggests the film is staying put. 

 

As part of a profile on Blue Beetle director Angel Manuel Soto, the outlet states that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is expected to hold onto its December 20 release date. Director James Wan’s film has already been delayed several times. It has also had to undergo several different rounds of reshoots. It has seemingly been a bit of a mess behind the scenes, as principal photography wrapped way back in January 2022. 

 

Part of the problem is that actors cannot promote their films as long as the strike is going on. So Jason Momoa and the rest of the cast would not be able to mount a press tour if the strike is still going on in December. The hope for both the actors and studios is that things won’t drag out for that long. Though as of right now, both sides seem very far apart when it comes to locking down a new contract. 

 

Here is the synopsis for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. 

 

“When an ancient power is unleashed, Aquaman must forge an uneasy alliance with an unlikely ally to protect Atlantis, and the world, from irreversible devastation.”

 

Warner Bros. would certainly want Momoa and the cast out there promoting the film, which was said to cost well over $200 million to produce. This year has been brutal for DC, with both Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash bombing at the box office. Black Adam also majorly underperformed last year. Given that the first Aquaman is the highest-grossing DC movie in history, hopes are surely high that The Lost Kingdom can turn the tide. That would help set up James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Universe reboot better, as opposed to picking up the baton after another major disappointment. 

 

Starring alongside Momoa will be Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Dolph Lundgren and Nicole Kidman. 

 

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is currently set to hit theaters on December 20. 

 

What do you think? Are you looking forward to the sequel? Do you think it would be better to delay it? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!