Warner Bros. Studios DC Films head Walter Hamada confirmed that the company almost recast Amber Heard for Aquaman 2.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is due to release on March 17th 2023. It was recently revealed that Amber Heard’s role as Mera was reduced to around 10 minutes of screentime. But now it has been confirmed she almost lost the role entirely.
The news comes during the trial between Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard. Depp is suing for $50 million, alleging a Washington post op-ed written by Heard ruined his film career. In the post, she discussed domestic abuse, which Depp claims caused him to lose film roles.
Heard has also claimed that as a result of her issues with Depp, her role was reduced in the film.
Amber Heard – Hamada’s Testimony
While testifying at the Depp v Heard trial Hamada discussed Heard’s role in the film. Apparently, she was considered to be recast due to a lack of chemistry between her and Jason Momoa.
Hamada said “It was the concerns that were brought up at the wrap of the first movie, which was the issue of chemistry. Did the two have the chemistry? I think editorially they were able to make that relationship work in the first movie, but there was a concern that it took a lot of effort to get there and would we be better off recasting, finding someone who has better, more natural chemistry with Jason Momoa and move forward that way?”
Hamada them confirmed that Heard’s role was reduced. However, he claims it had nothing to do with Heard’s legal battles with Johnny Depp and the subsequent backlash. This goes against Heard’s claim that her role was affected by her personal life.
Heard has been released from her contract, and her future with the DC universe is currently uncertain.
Featured Image Credit: DC/Warner Bros