Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to feature a large cast of both new and returning characters, the final film ahead of the imminent DCU reboot.

Given that this is the state of DC on film, many have been expecting Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom to perform poorly at the box office like Black Adam, Shazam! 2, The Flash, and Blue Beetle before it. That said, many hoped the announcement that several DCEU movies will begin streaming on Netflix in December would boost Aquaman 2‘s performance. However, one big snub from the streaming giant may prove these hopes to be in vain as it may be a big concern for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom‘s chances at success.

DCEU Movies Streaming on Netflix

Original Release Date

Man of Steel

2013

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

2016

Suicide Squad

2016

Wonder Woman

2017

Justice League

2017

Birds of Prey

2020

Wonder Woman 1984

2020

The Suicide Squad

2021

Aquaman Not Coming To Netflix Hurts The Lost Kingdom’s Potential

The snub in question is that, among the eight DCEU films confirmed to be released on Netflix in December 2023, Aquaman is not present. This decision is strange for a number of reasons. Firstly, the other DCEU movies released in the years directly before Aquaman are coming to Netflix. Secondly, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is releasing in December 2023, meaning both Warner Bros. and Netflix could have seen an influx of viewership for Aquaman-related content.

Not only would Warner Bros.’ upcoming Aquaman 2 receive a box office boost from the first movie being shown to more consumers via Netflix, but the streaming service itself would have benefited. The increased marketing sure to come for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom would undoubtedly see Netflix’s subscriber figures rise, which currently stand at 247.2 million as of the third quarter of 2023. However, Aquaman not being released on Netflix marks a blow to Aquaman 2‘s box office potential as the extra exposure to the franchise would only have made a positive commercial difference.

Why Netflix Is So Good For The DCEU

Despite the strange circumstances involving Aquaman‘s omission from the streaming service’s library, there is no denying that Netflix is a good thing for the DCEU. As of Aquaman 2‘s release, the DCEU will be over and Warner Bros. will have little reason to continue supporting prior entries. As such, the focus will switch to James Gunn’s DCU for both cinematic and streaming releases, the latter through Max which currently holds 95.8 million subscribers when combined with HBO and Discovery+. This will leave little room for the DCEU to still have a place in Warner Bros. repertoire.

For this reason, Netflix remains incredibly important for the DCEU. With the modern domination of streaming, it is becoming more difficult to watch products unless they are housed on certain services. With the DCEU having a small reason to exist in the eyes of studios after Aquaman 2‘s release, Netflix will give the former franchise a place to live. This will mean that anyone who wishes to revisit the DCEU in the future after the franchise’s conclusion with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will now be able to, thus keeping the series alive despite its diminishing importance in the face of Gunn’s DCU reboot.