Amber Heard Comments on Aquaman 2 Amid Controversial Return
Amber Heard, amidst personal controversy, shares her thoughts on the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the highly anticipated sequel to the successful Aquaman film. Despite Warner Bros.’ recent box office struggles with DC films like Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and The Flash, Heard remains hopeful for the upcoming Aquaman installment. However, her reprisal as Mera has attracted criticism due to her public legal battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp, which she lost.
In an interview with Deadline, Heard acknowledges the pressure and compromises involved in making big franchise movies and expresses her honor to be part of the Aquaman franchise. She also mentions her involvement in smaller passion projects like ‘In The Fire,’ highlighting the balance she seeks as an actor.
The public’s perception of Heard may impact Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s performance, considering the controversy surrounding her. This is not the first time a controversial figure has been associated with a DC film, as seen with Ezra Miller’s legal issues during The Flash. While Miller’s situation differs, the challenge of explaining and marketing Heard’s role remains. The studio’s decision to remove Johnny Depp from Fantastic Beasts and recast Henry Cavill’s DC role while retaining Heard has raised questions.
Despite reports of changes in the plot and adjustments by director James Wan, the studio seems to be taking a gamble by counting on audiences not being swayed by Heard’s presence. It is worth noting that Aquaman 2 was filmed before the backlash against Heard, and it is unlikely that her character will continue in future DC films like DCU Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.
The outcome of The Flash’s fallout may influence the studio’s approach to the controversy surrounding Heard or shape their focus on the upcoming film Superman: Legacy, scheduled for 2025. The success of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, set to hit theaters on December 20, will be closely watched in light of these circumstances.