Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom: Dolph Lundgren regrets fans missing original cut
Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom: Dolph Lundgren regrets fans missing original cut – The actor talks about a version of the film that did not reach theaters and expresses his regret for what has happened.
By Megan Sauer
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has grossed US $375 million so far, and this is a fairly low number by the standards of a superhero film, especially if we compare it with its 2018 predecessor.
The film hit theaters, and not all fans were willing to see it, something that Dolph Lundgren, one of its stars, regrets. As if that were not enough, the Swedish actor states that it hurts him quite a bit to know that the public did not have the opportunity to see the original cut of the film.
In an interview with Comicbook, Dolph talks about how Warner made changes to the original script, limiting Mera’s participation and therefore his own.
The actor affirms that everything was a corporate decision, admitting that he regrets that fans did not have the opportunity to see that original vision that James Wan had thought of for the sequel:
“I realized it was some kind of corporate decision that they were trying to limit Amber Heard and then I was playing her father and I went along with it. I was just disappointed for the viewers, because I thought the original script was great and the original cut…
I saw a little bit of it, it was really good, so I didn’t see any reason to start filming and reshaping the story, which obviously generated disappointment in moviegoers and not only in me.”
Idol of millions
The good reception of the Aquaman character in theaters, at least initially, was largely due to Jason Momoa ‘s charismatic performance and the fresh, revitalized approach that the first film brought to the world of the superhero.
Before the 2018 film of the same name, Aquaman was often underestimated or ridiculed in popular culture, but Momoa managed to completely transform the perception of the character.
His high-energy performance, combined with Aquaman’s imposing and engaging character, offered a more contemporary and exciting take on the superhero, connecting with audiences who might not have found him as intriguing in the past.
Additionally, the James Wan -directed film received praise for its stunning visuals, exciting narrative, and a well-balanced mix of action and humor.
Aquaman explored the rich underwater world of Atlantis in a visually stunning way, offering viewers a spectacular cinematic experience.
The combination of standout acting, solid direction, and compelling storytelling contributed to the Aquaman character’s strong reception in theaters, elevating him to a more prominent status and cementing his place within the DC cinematic universe.
In addition to its financial success, Aquaman also played an important role in establishing Jason Momoa as a modern Aquaman icon and rejuvenating the perception of the character in popular culture.
The film helped solidify Aquaman’s place as a worthy hero within the DCEU and paved the way for continued stories in the DC cinematic universe.
Aquaman ‘s positive impact contributed to renewed confidence in future DCEU installments and demonstrated that, when approached with creativity and respect for the source material, even the most unconventional characters can have a lasting impact on audiences.
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has faced considerable criticism since its inception, with some of the most recurring complaints focusing on the lack of tonal and narrative coherence in its first installments.
Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League received criticism for its dark and complex tone, which some considered inconsistent with the more optimistic and hopeful nature of DC comics.
In addition, the lack of character development and the saturation of elements in Justice League were criticized, especially after Joss Whedon’s intervention in post-production.
Another point of criticism has been the constant comparison with the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which has achieved stronger narrative coherence and interconnection between films more effectively.
The lack of a unified vision for the DCEU, changes in creative direction, and studio decisions have led to a perception of instability and lack of clear direction compared to the competition.
Although later films like Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Shazam have received more positive reviews, the DCEU had to face the task of overcoming initial negative perceptions and building a more coherent and positive cinematic identity.
Will the new era with James Gunn bring better times?
