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For months, industry insiders and fans speculated that Aquaman 2 might be the final nail in the coffin for the dying DC Extended Universe (DCEU). After a series of box office disappointments, many anticipated that this sequel would also underperform, and projections initially suggested a modest $27 million opening in the U.S. with a $40 million holiday weekend. These numbers were considered disastrously low, cementing fears about the franchise's future.