What Happened to Aquaman (film series)?

The Aquaman film series began with a splash, launching its first installment, 'Aquaman,' in December 2018. Directed by James Wan and starring Jason Momoa as the titular hero, the film was a significant commercial and critical success for Warner Bros. and the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). It grossed over $1.152 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing DCEU film and the highest-grossing film based on a DC Comics character at the time. Its success was attributed to its vibrant visuals, unique underwater world-building, and Momoa's charismatic performance, establishing Aquaman as a major cinematic force.

Following the success, a sequel, 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,' was greenlit. James Wan returned to direct, and the core cast, including Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, and Amber Heard, reprised their roles. Production faced challenges, including reshoots and controversies surrounding cast members. The film was intended to expand on the world-building of Atlantis and introduce new themes. However, it was released on December 22, 2023, into a significantly changed landscape for DC films. It became the 15th and final film in the DCEU, which was undergoing a complete reboot under the new leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios.

'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' received negative reviews from critics and underperformed at the box office compared to its predecessor, grossing approximately $440 million worldwide against a budget of $205–215 million. This performance, coupled with the impending DCU reboot, solidified its role as a concluding chapter rather than a bridge to future stories for this iteration of Aquaman. The film's self-contained plot, which largely avoided direct ties to the broader DCEU, was seen by some as a strategic move given the franchise's uncertain future.

As of August 2026, the Aquaman film series, as part of the DCEU, has officially concluded. There have been no official announcements or confirmations for an 'Aquaman 3' within James Gunn's new DC Universe. Instead, the focus has shifted to the new DCU slate, which will feature a complete recasting of the Justice League. A significant development in 2026 is the widely reported recasting of Jason Momoa. After portraying Aquaman in the DCEU, Momoa is slated to debut as the fan-favorite anti-hero Lobo in the upcoming DCU film 'Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,' scheduled for release on June 26, 2026. This move definitively signals the end of his time as Arthur Curry/Aquaman in the cinematic universe, though a comic book series titled 'Emperor Aquaman' did launch in March 2026, continuing the character's narrative in print. The future of the Aquaman character in the new DCU remains open for a new interpretation and casting.