The trial of Aquaman actor Amber Heard and Johnny Depp has captured the public’s attention. The defamation lawsuit is being heard in Virginia, which allows for live streaming of the courthouse, allowing people all around the world to follow the proceedings of the divorced couple. Depp v. Heard has been a fascinating case, not just about the couple’s toxic relationship, but also about Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Depp has claimed that he was the key reason his then-wife was cast in Aquaman, Heard’s contract terms have been published, and specific sequel secrets have been revealed.
During the course of the litigation, fans have mostly supported Depp. This may have little bearing on the result of the present trial, but it does not bode well for Heard’s future in Hollywood. Any nice words about Heard might go a long way, particularly when it comes to collaborating on a big-budget comic book movie.
The jury has finally reached a decision, and in the run-up to the formal announcement, an Aquaman co-star has come out with some encouraging words for Heard.
Amber Heard’s co-star in Aquaman defends her.
DC – Aquaman
Aquaman star Dolph Lundgren offered lovely words for Amber Heard from the set of Aquaman 2 in a recent Independent piece. Lundgren, who plays Nereus again, told Redline Steel CEO Colin Wayne:
“She was fantastic. I collaborated with her on the first Aquaman film and am currently working on the sequel. We filmed in London last autumn.” Lundgren went on to remark that Heard is “terrific” and that seeing her newborn kid on site was “sort of sweet.”
She’s fantastic; I had a fantastic encounter with her. She was incredibly friendly to the team, to everyone, and simply down to earth. She was on set with her newborn kid and the nanny, which was sort of nice.” Heard does not have the general public on her side in the Depp v. Heard trial, so this kind of support from her co-star might help portray a more positive image of her to the public. While Lundgren’s statements will have little, if any, impact on the trial’s eventual result, they may influence some people’s views on Heard.
This is a difficult struggle for Warner Bros. and DC, as the company is constantly challenged to maintain its stars in the public eye. Ezra Miller, star of The Flash, has lately been arrested on many occasions. In a statement, Heard revealed that Warner Bros. “deleted a boatload” of her scenes from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Rumors about Miller’s replacement have been refuted, however Mera being played by a new actress in a future Aquaman 3 are a serious possibility.
Will Amber Heard take over as Mera?
Following the success of the first Aquaman film, which earned over $1 billion worldwide, DC President Walter Hamada admits they contemplated recasting for the sequel. They questioned the connection between Heard and Jason Momoa, not because of her relationship with Heard or the looming litigation.
With past film-related difficulties and the studio’s huge PR issue, replacing Heard seems to be a rather simple option. As the trial progresses, general audiences are turning away from Heard, and WB doesn’t need anything to prevent it from earning another $1 billion. The directors can only reduce her involvement for the time being, and she will most likely remain in the background of marketing or be removed entirely.
After managing the Aquaman 2 press tour (which might be a disaster), replacing Heard for a potential third Aquaman film may be in the studio’s best interest to retain as many people interested in watching Jason Momoa wade about with a trident for 120 minutes as possible.
All eyes are now on the final decision, which will determine how Depp and Heard’s careers progress in Hollywood in the future.
On March 17, 2023, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be released in cinemas.
