Exclusive: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Director Opens Up About Mera's Surprising Screen Time In Highly-Anticipated Sequel
Aquaman director, James Wan, addresses Amber Heard's claims about Mera's reduced screen time in the sequel, confirming that it was always the plan for her character to have a smaller role in Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom
Amber Heard, the actress who played Mera in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," claimed that her role was reduced due to her legal battle with Johnny Depp. However, director James Wan has clarified that the focus of the sequel has always been on Aquaman and Orm, not Mera. Wan explained that the first movie explored the journey of Arthur and Mera, while the second movie will delve into the bromance between Arthur and Orm.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Heard testified in court about the challenges she faced in maintaining her career after obtaining a restraining order against Depp. She mentioned losing opportunities and being dropped from jobs and campaigns. Regarding Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Heard stated that Warner Bros., the film's studio, did not wish to include her. Additionally, she claimed that they significantly diminished her role.
The high-profile court case between Heard and Depp concluded in 2022, resulting in a defamation ruling against Depp and an order to pay Heard $2 million. In compensatory damages, Depp received $10 million from Heard.
The Lost Kingdom is scheduled to premiere in theaters on December 20, 2023. However, the film's stars are currently unable to promote it due to the Hollywood labor strikes that are ongoing. This is one of the factors that led Warner Bros. to postpone the release of some of its 2023 films, including Dune: Part II, to 2024.
James Wan, who directed the first Aquaman, returns for The Lost Kingdom. A trailer is coming on September 14, but for now, check out a teaser.
