The director of 'Aquaman,' James Wan, has addressed recent allegations made by Amber Heard, who plays Princess Mera in the film, claiming that her role was significantly diminished following her legal battle with Johnny Depp.
'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' is a highly anticipated film among DC Comics fans, set to bring back Jason Momoa as the protector of the seven seas, engaging in a new battle to safeguard the underwater realm from menacing invaders.
This sequel, which follows the 2018 release of 'Aquaman,' faced delays in production due to Hollywood's actor and screenwriter strikes and involved revisions affecting one of its main characters, Princess Mera, portrayed by Amber Heard.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, James Wan, the director of the 'Aquaman' franchise, clarified that Amber Heard was well aware that she wouldn't be the focal point in 'Aquaman 2.' This statement was in response to the actress's accusations against Warner Bros., claiming they had significantly reduced her role in the new film.
Wan explained, "I made it clear to everyone from the beginning. The first 'Aquaman' movie was about the journey of Arthur and Mera. The second movie was always going to focus on Arthur and Orm. The first was an action-packed romance and adventure; the second was a bromance filled with action and adventure. That's how it's been planned."
Amber Heard's Connection with 'Aquaman'
Amber Heard played a significant role in the success of the first 'Aquaman' movie, which grossed over a billion dollars worldwide upon its release in December 2018. Amidst speculations that her character might be excluded from the sequel, it was ultimately decided to retain her character, who featured prominently in the first installment.
During her defamation trial with Johnny Depp, Heard alleged that Warner Bros. was reluctant to include her in the second 'Aquaman' film due to the legal battle's consequences. She further asserted that her role had been reduced through the removal of several of her action sequences and character-driven scenes.
"I fought hard to remain part of the film, but ultimately, they did not include me as much as I would have liked. I was given an initial script, but later versions omitted scenes with action and character development, without revealing too much. They essentially cut a substantial part of my role," the American model explained.
James Wan's clarification sheds light on the evolution of the 'Aquaman' sequel and the reasoning behind Amber Heard's role in 'Aquaman 2.'
