Amber Heard was introduced to the DCEU initially as a cameo in 2017’s Justice League and later portrayed her character, Mera in a full-fledged on-screen presence in 2018’s Aquaman. Yet a new report reveals the actress’ performance initially led to studio discussions of replacing her for Aquaman 2.
Warner Bros. upcoming DC film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has long been caught up in Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s embroiling legal battle. Depp’s fans have since pressured the studio to fire the 35-year-old star and replace her Mera role. Though there were no signs of the role passing on to another star, a new report from Puck states Warner Bros. initially refused to choose Heard for the sequel due to concerns over her chemistry with Jason Momoa.
Details regarding Heard’s involvement in Aquaman 2 have come forward from a deposition with DC Films president Walter Hamada and it will be produced in the next defamation trial with Depp. While Heard reprised the DC role she reportedly couldn’t negotiate a fee hike for the sequel.
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The ongoing legal battle between the two Hollywood stars has impacted both their careers with Heard claiming in 2018 she lost gigs in the biz world and was recast from a movie she was attached to. While the actress’ op-ed for The Washington Post detailing her relationship also cost Depp dearly, even resigning from the Fantastic Beasts franchise and losing his Grindelwald role to Mads Mikkelsen.
The backlash against Heard’s involvement in DC films did reach WB execs ears and as a matter of fact, Aquaman’s franchise producer Peter Safran also responded to social media outburst stating: “I don’t think we’re ever going to react to, honestly, pure fan pressure, you gotta do what’s best for the movie.”
Depp’s libel lawsuit will proceed this week in Virginia as the Pirates of the Caribbean star sues Heard over her op-ed, seeking $50 million in damages. The Aquaman 2 star recently took to Instagram to thank her followers for their support and informed them of her offline presence for the next few weeks. Readers can check it out below.
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Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hits theatres on March 17, 2023.
