Aquaman 2 Delayed So Amber Heard Can Be Replaced With Popular Actress?
Aquaman 2 has been delayed yet again, but rumors are that this time, it is so Amber Heard can be completely replaced.
The unfortunate schedule change for Aquaman 2 has reignited rumors about Amber Heard’s involvement in the film. Although the actress returned to film scenes for the sequel, despite being involved in a messy legal battle with Johnny Depp, her future in the DCEU is still shrouded in mystery. During the trial, the 36-year-old also cast doubt on her return citing hesitancy from Warner Bros. But she remained on board as Mera after Jason Momoa and director James Wan fought for her involvement.
Since then, the actress admitted she wasn’t sure if her reduced role would even make the final cut. Now, according to YouTube personality Syl Abdul, the reason behind the Aquaman 2 delay is a little more complicated than reshoots. The film allegedly needs more time in post-production because Amber Heard is being replaced with Emila Clarke. The plan is to scrap all scenes involving Johnny Depp’s ex-wife and put the more likable Game of Thrones star in the role of Mera. If true, the decision means The Stand alum’s time with the DCEU will end after two appearances.
Check out the fan-made images of Emila Clarke as Mera below:
Amber Heard made her debut as Mera in Justice League and returned for Aquaman. She also came back to film scenes for Zack Snyder’s Justice League. While nothing has officially been confirmed, Mera’s role in Aquaman 2 is already said to be reduced with the story focusing on Arthur Curry and the Ocean Master instead. Cutting Amber Heard and recasting Mera comes after the actress said Warner Bros already released her from her contract and DC Films head Walter Hamada admitted they considered recasting the role before production began, ScreenRant reports.
Despite rumors of Mera’s recasting, Variety recently debunked several reports that Amber Heard has been cut from Aquaman 2. Representatives for the actress also told TMZ that the rumor mill continues to be “inaccurate, insensitive, and slightly insane.” While she may not be the most popular movie star at the moment, sometimes reshoots are just reshoots. And it doesn’t necessarily mean that Heard will be replaced. Along with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Warner Bros. confirmed delays for several highly anticipated movies including Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Rumors aside, fans can still look forward to seeing Aquaman 2 in theaters on December 25, 2023. James Wan will resume directing duties for the film with David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick returning to pen the script. Wan is also producing alongside Peter Safran. The movie will see Jason Momoa reprising his role as Aquaman alongside Patrick Wilson as Orm. Other returning cast members include Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta as well as Willem Dafoe, Nicole Kidman, and Dolph Lundgren. For now, Amber Heard is also expected to re-join the cast as Mera.
Interestingly, the actress said she (via ScreenRant) had to fight really hard to remain part of Aquaman 2. During the trial, she explained that several script rewrites removed more and more of her originally planned scenes as Mera. Speaking to the jury, Amber Heard specifically cited the removal of action and fight sequences. She said what she actually ended up filming for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was a massively pared-down version of Mera’s role in the first script.
