Amber Heard rejoins Aquaman franchise as Mera amidst controversy and skepticism

The journey to carry director James Wan’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom to the massive display screen has been huge. Despite the challenges confronted, the movie is on the verge of its highly-anticipated premiere in December, with some regarding elements.

Early take a look at screenings left audiences underwhelmed, with some even calling it “unwatchable”. The movie additionally underwent a demanding post-production course of, together with three rounds of high-priced reshoots.

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Another main concern is the Aquaman franchise’s affiliation with Amber Heard. The actress, identified for her roles in The Rum Diary and 3 Days to Kill, publicly accused her former husband, Johnny Depp, of bodily abuse in 2016 throughout their relationship, alleging he was underneath the affect of medication and alcohol.

This led to Disney and different studios reducing ties with Depp, inflicting him substantial monetary losses in potential film roles. In response, Depp sued Heard for defamation in 2022, leading to a high-profile trial the place Depp emerged victorious and was awarded over $10 million in damages.

During the Depp vs. Heard authorized battle, followers rallied behind Depp, leading to on-line harassment directed at Heard. A petition circulated calling for her dismissal from the sequel, with some followers suggesting Emilia Clarke as a substitute.

While DC did not completely take away Heard from the movie, studies recommend her position as Mera has been shifted to keep away from backlash. However, conflicting sources declare that Heard’s position stays, just like her presence within the 2018 Aquaman movie.

In any case, Mera will seem within the sequel, with the storyline probably revealing that she and Arthur have had a toddler because the occasions of the primary movie. As Warner Bros gears as much as promote Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, a teaser trailer affords a glimpse of Heard’s return to the superhero franchise.

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Eagle-eyed followers famous a scene within the teaser that includes a burning home, probably the brand new house of Tom Curry. In this temporary shot, Mera will be seen dashing towards the construction, making an attempt a rescue mission.

Mera seems to be carrying a greenish swimsuit from the primary Aquaman movie, suggesting a connection between the 2 sequels. However, Heard is predicted to function in a brand new, extra blue-tinted swimsuit on this sequel.

While followers stay hesitant about Heard’s return to DC, the studio seems optimistic in regards to the film, though the teaser trailer retains Mera within the background.