Remember the controversies of “Aquaman 2”

Scheduled to debut in theaters on December 20, 2023, “Aquaman 2: The Lost Kingdom” has been the talk of the town since long before its release. This is because the film, directed by James Wanhas several controversies involving cast members.

If you missed the updates, or want to remember what happened behind the scenes of the feature film, don’t worry, RECREIO has gathered below the main controversies of the Atlântida hero’s second solo film.

Amber Heard X Johnny Depp

Amber Heard plays Mera in the Aquaman franchise. In the year the first film was released, that is, in 2018, the actress reported experiences of domestic violence to the Washington Post, which although she did not directly mention her then ex-husband’s name, Johnny Depphas gained several developments in the last four years, including lawsuits, which were initiated by both Heardas for Depp.

As consequences of the accusations, Depp was cut from “Pirates of the Caribbean 6” and the Fantastic Beasts franchise, where it was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen in the role of the villain Gellert Grindelwald. As for Hearda petition was created in mid-May 2020, which with more than 4 million signatures, asked that the actress be removed from the DC sequel that has Jason Momoa as the protagonist’s interpreter.

Reduced participation

Furthermore, according to information released by Walter Hamadapresident of DC Films, told Puck, Heard was almost removed from the sequel, as the film’s producer and distributor, Warner Bros., was concerned about the actress’ chemistry with Jason Momoa. At the time, the decision would have been communicated in a letter to the lawyer of Haerd, Karl Austen.

In May 2022, the actress confirmed the information of Hamadawhen stating in testimony to the defamation case against Johnny Depp (via Entertainment Weekly), that the studio’s initial plans were not to include her in “Aquaman 2”.

She also said that, after deciding to keep her, her participation in the feature film was reduced, as the script was changed several times to cut her participation.

I received a script. Then, they gave me new versions that removed the scenes that had action, that showed my character and another character. Two characters fighting against each other”, said Mera’s interpreter.

Still on the reduction of the role of Heard, Kathryn Arnoldan entertainment industry consultant, testified at the defamation trial of Depp against his ex-wife, stating that Heard had been removed from promotional events for the new film, as she had been instructed not to attend DC FanDome, in addition to being excluded from the film’s poster, as reported by The Wrap at the time.

Cut?

In the same statement, Arnold said that the actress remained in the film due to the efforts of Jason momoaand the director, James Wan.

The management team [de Amber Heard] fought hard and they [DC] they ended up keeping it. Not just because of what the management did, but also because star Jason Momoa and director James Wan committed to it,” said Kathryn Arnold.

However, shortly after, a rumor that Mera would be replaced by Delphim as Aquaman’s love interest and the new Queen of Atlantis gained momentum, as the choice would cause Heard was removed from the franchise without plot holes.

Jason Momoa drunk?

In October this year, Jason Momoa was accused of showing up drunk on the set of “Aquaman 2”, where he allegedly dressed similar to Johnny Depp and request the withdrawal of Heard of the cast of the feature film.

The information was found in documents from the trial of Depp It is Heard that appeared on Reddit after the actor’s fans paid the legal costs for the release of the therapist’s notes. Heard, Dawn Hughes.

Jason said he wanted me fired. Jason was drunk – late at night on set, dressed like Johnny,” the note read.

However, a DC source stated that the allegations were false, assuring that Momoa he never appeared drunk on recordings, and his behavior was always professional. Other sources stated that the actor’s relationship with Heard was friendly and Momoa He always adopted the bohemian style of dressing.

Elon Musk X Amber Heard X Warner

When Warner threatened to withdraw Heard of production before the sequel, Elon Musk would have intervened to keep her in the cast. At the time, Musk reportedly asked one of his lawyers to send a “threatening letter” to Warner Bros., which stated that “drastic measures” would be taken if the studio decided to fire the actress.

This is because, at the time, the millionaire was dating Heard. Their relationship became public in April 2017, and they stayed together until 2018.