“This Was Always My Plan.” Aquaman 2’s Director Addressed Amber Heard’s Controversy

Lucas Aquino
Nov 03, 2023
Nov 09, 2023

As the DCEU is reaching its end, recent titles of the saga are filled with controversies. From Ezra Miller’s case in The Flash to Amber Heard’s controversy in Aquaman, these movies can’t seem to catch a break.

It is reported that due to various reasons, Heard’s role as Mera will be significantly reduced in the upcoming sequel, which doesn’t come as a surprise to many. In a recent interview, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s director James Wan, finally broke the silence on the matter, and here’s what he had to say.

#1. James Wan Wanted To Reduce Heard Screen Time For This One Reason

Source: Warner Bros.

As the long-lasting trial between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp reached its conclusion with the latter’s triumph, fans have been raiding social media platforms to pressure, or even threaten Aquaman 2’s crew to drop Heard, or at least reduce her role significantly in the sequel. In fact, the actress barely appears in the trailers or any marketing attempts of Warner Bros.

James Wan is very well aware of the situation. In a recent interview with Empire Magazine via The Direct, the veteran director acknowledged the fact that he intentionally gave Heard a much smaller role in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. However, as Wan explained, the reason behind this decision had nothing to do with the actress’s case.

Source: Warner Bros.

According to Wan, the reason why Heard has such a reduced role in the sequel is due to the movie being an “outright buddy comedy” rather than an “action-adventure rom-com”. Therefore, the sequel will focus more on Arthur’s dynamic with King Orm, whom he reluctantly forms an alliance with to fight Black Manta, instead of giving Mera more spotlight.

#2. Here Is James Wan’s Full Quote

Source: Getty Images

"It’s fair that [Heard] said that [about the character being pared down], because she wasn’t in my head as I was working on this movie. Actors don’t necessarily know what we [directors] behind the scenes are thinking about. But this was always my plan.,” Wan answered Empire Magazine.

“From the start, I pitched that the first film would be a 'Romancing The Stone'-type thing — an action-adventure romantic comedy — while the second would be an outright buddy comedy. I wanted to do 'Tango & Cash!'" He continued.

#3. Heard Was Reportedly Bullied By Her Co-Workers

Source: Warner Bros.

There was a lot of controversy surrounding the Heard-Depp case back then, with the majority of public opinion against the actress. According to a report by Variety, Heard’s time at the Aquaman 2’s set was hellish.

She was taunted by a drunk Jason Momoa on set, who dressed up as Heard’s ex-husband Johnny Depp to try to get her fired from the movie. Heard was also scolded by James Wan himself, and the director didn’t even allow anyone to take photos with her at the time. These were all used as part of the defamation trial by Heard’s therapist. However, DC publicly denied all these claims.

The Actress Almost Lost Her Job In Aquaman 2, If Not For Elon Musk

Source: Warner Bros.

Variety also reported that initially Heard was almost fired from Aquaman 2 as well. After the first movie hit theaters, Wan and Warner Bros. didn’t want the actress to return due to a “lack of chemistry” between her and Jason Momoa.

However, Heard still managed to keep her role, as her boyfriend at the time, Elon Musk, reached out and threatened the film’s crew, claiming that he would “scorch the Earth” if Wan didn’t bring Heard back. As a result, Heard was back as Mera, but at least two important scenes of her were reportedly cut from the sequel.

How many minutes do you think Amber Heard would get in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom? Is James Wan right to reduce her screen time? Let us know in the comments.

“This Was Always My Plan.” Aquaman 2’s Director Addressed Amber Heard’s Controversy

#1. James Wan Wanted To Reduce Heard Screen Time For This One Reason

#2. Here Is James Wan’s Full Quote

#3. Heard Was Reportedly Bullied By Her Co-Workers

The Actress Almost Lost Her Job In Aquaman 2, If Not For Elon Musk

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