Photo: Amber Heard Aquaman 2 Actress
The director of 'Aquaman,' James Wan, has revealed that the upcoming sequel, 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,' was never intended to place a significant focus on Amber Heard's character, Mera, despite her claims during her defamation trial with Johnny Depp.
Amber Heard, aged 37, reprises her role as the sea princess, Mera, in 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.' However, during her trial in Virginia last year, she testified that her role had been "significantly reduced" due to negative attention on her personal life.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, James Wan, aged 46, clarified that Mera was never meant to be the central character in the second installment of the Aquaman series. Instead, the narrative revolves around Arthur Curry, portrayed by Jason Momoa, and his half-brother Orm, played by Patrick Wilson.
The first Aquaman film was centered around the journey of Arthur and Mera. The second movie was always intended to revolve around the relationship between Arthur and Orm," Wan explained. The second movie is more of a brotherly, action-packed adventure, while the first was a romantic action adventure, he continued. That's all I'll say about it.
Johnny Depp, aged 60, had filed a defamation lawsuit against Heard over a 2018 op-ed in which she made abuse allegations without explicitly mentioning his name. Depp won all three of his claims, while Heard prevailed on one of her three counterclaims. They have since settled, with Heard paying Depp $1 million.
During the trial, Heard, who had already filmed her scenes for 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom before the trial, argued that her reputation and career had suffered due to public attacks on her character by Depp.
"I fought vigorously to remain in the film. Initially, they did not want to include me," Heard testified during the trial."I was given a script, and then I got amended copies that had scenes with action and my character as well as another character eliminated.
Without revealing any spoilers, two characters engaged in a physical confrontation, and those scenes were essentially cut," she added at the time.
Heard's talent agent, Jessica Kovacevic, testified that the reduction of Heard's role in 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' was attributed to chemistry issues with Momoa. However, the agent believed that negative press related to Depp had also adversely affected Heard's career.
Walter Hamada, the former president of DC Films, testified during the trial that Depp's comments or legal actions did not impact Heard's role in the sequel. He acknowledged that there were discussions within the studio regarding a perceived "lack of chemistry" between Heard and Momoa.
Hamada stated, "The character's involvement in the story was defined from the outset." He described the sequel as a "buddy-comedy" that primarily centered around Momoa and Wilson as "co-leads."
When asked about the challenges faced by Heard during the production of 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,' Hamada replied, "To my understanding, the production process proceeded quite smoothly."
In June 2022, after a verdict that largely favored Depp, Heard's spokesperson responded to reports suggesting her removal from the sequel: "The rumor mill continues as it has from day one—filled with inaccuracies, insensitivity, and a touch of madness."
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Back in November 2020, Heard dismissed rumors of her not returning for the next Aquaman installment. She expressed her excitement about the tremendous fan support for 'Aquaman' and the anticipation it generated for the return of Aquaman and Mera.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom movie to release on December 20
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