James Wan Confirms Reduced Role for Amber Heard in 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' was the Original Plan
Director James Wan reveals his deliberate decision to reduce Amber Heard's role in 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom', confirming that her character's presence was not a focal point during the movie's development
Article Summary
Amber Heard's screen time in Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom is reportedly significantly lower than in the first installment, which was confirmed by director James Wan.
It remains unclear how prominently Mera will be included in the storyline, as specific information about the film has not yet been disclosed.
This film signifies a fresh direction for the DC Extended Universe, as Aquaman ventures into the newly envisioned cinematic universe crafted by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
As we eagerly await the release of Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, it is interesting to reflect on the journey this blockbuster has taken. One aspect that garnered attention behind the scenes was the involvement of Amber Heard, who portrays Mera in the franchise, and her highly publicized divorce from Johnny Depp. Speculations arose about her being replaced to avoid distracting the audience, but these rumors were denied by Heard herself. Nonetheless, it has been confirmed that her role in the sequel will be significantly reduced compared to the first film, a claim that she dismissed as a "smear campaign." Director James Wan, in an interview with Empire Magazine, explained that this decision was intentional.
“It’s understandable that she expressed her opinion about Mera being pared down, as she was not aware of my intentions while I was working on this movie. It is common for actors to be unaware of what directors are planning behind the scenes. However, my plan was always to portray Mera in this manner. Right from the beginning, I proposed that the first film would be reminiscent of 'Romancing the Stone' - a blend of action, adventure, and romantic comedy - while the second film would take on the style of an outright buddy comedy. I envisioned it to be like 'Tango & Cash!'”
Image via Warner Bros.
Heard's Screen Time in 'Aquaman 2' Is Still Kind of a Mystery
Despite her public complaints about her reduced participation, it remains unclear how prominently Mera will be featured in the story. It is not uncommon for actors to wait until the film's premiere to watch the finished product, so it is possible that even Heard herself is unaware of the extent to which her role has been scaled back. However, Heard did review a script prior to filming, so if Mera's diminished part was present from the beginning, she would have been aware of it. Nevertheless, a clearer understanding of Mera's role will be gained once Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom finally debuts.
Details about the story of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom are still unknown. However, this movie marks the end of the original DC Extended Universe, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. We anticipate that Jason Momoa's character, Arthur Curry, will transition into the new DC cinematic universe envisioned by James Gunn and Peter Safran. Nevertheless, given the unpredictability of past DC films, we can only confirm these developments once we witness them on the big screen. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is scheduled to debut in theaters on December 22.
You can watch the latest trailer below:
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
To safeguard Atlantis from the destructive weapon unleashed by Black Manta, Arthur must seek assistance from his half-brother Orm. Black Manta's relentless pursuit to avenge his father's demise has prompted Arthur to unite with Orm in this crucial mission.
Directed by James Wan, the movie features a stellar cast including Jason Momoa, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, and Temuera Morrison. With its thrilling blend of superhero, action, adventure, and fantasy genres, the film is brought to life by Warner Bros. and DC. The talented writing team of David Leslie Johnson, Paul Norris, and Mort Weisinger contribute their skills to this captivating production.
Editor's P/S
As a fan of the Aquaman franchise, I have mixed feelings about the reduced role for Amber Heard in the upcoming film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. On the one hand, I understand the decision to minimize her involvement given the ongoing controversy surrounding her personal life. The public's attention should be focused on the movie itself, rather than on the personal drama of its actors. On the other hand, I am concerned that this decision may diminish the character of Mera, who played a significant role in the first film. I hope that the filmmakers have found a way to give Mera a meaningful and impactful role in the sequel, despite her reduced screen time.
Overall, I am excited to see Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and to learn more about the future of the DC Extended Universe. I am confident that James Wan and the rest of the creative team will deliver a thrilling and visually stunning film that will satisfy fans of the franchise.
