Aquaman 2 Behind-the-Scenes Drama Continues, Amber Heard Scenes Cut
It seems that even James Wan himself doesn't want to see Heard in the movie.
The first installment of Aquaman proved to be a smash hit for Warner Bros. and DC Studios (formerly DC Films), becoming the only live-action adaptation of the DC character to gross $1 billion at the box office. Then came dark times for DC, from which the studio could not recover even with the arrival of James Gunn and Peter Safran in 2022: the failed Justice League and the controversial Snyder cut, Covid-19, and a lazy script coupled with abysmal CGI in The Flash.
It seems that in the state of regular commercial failures, the only salvation for WB and DC remains the second installment of Aquaman. Only it has been a bumpy ride: constant reshoots have confused fans, the defamation lawsuit between Mera's Amber Heard and Johnny Depp has led to pressure from fans of both, and the situation has been exacerbated by reports that Momoa behaved unethically by dressing up as Depp in front of Heard. But the production drama doesn't end there, as a number of scenes involving Amber have reportedly been cut.
Amber Heard Controversies
As a result of her therapist's documents (released by Depp's fans without the actress' consent, it should be noted) from the Depp trial, more than a little information has come to light about what Heard was going through on set. She complained of feeling unsupported, as Momoa and James Wan were allegedly unwilling to continue working with her and tried to get her fired.
Reps for both, as well as DC, denied all of this, naturally, but some sources told that she was indeed pressured and on the verge of being fired because of her alleged lack of chemistry with Jason.
Some Scenes Were Cut
A number of insiders likely involved in the production revealed to Variety that while Amber remained in the project, her importance in the story was significantly downplayed. At least two scenes involving her were cut, including her fight with Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), as well as a romantic scene with Arthur Curry (Momoa himself). Their conflict is also indirectly confirmed by the fact that both have unfollowed each other on Instagram.
Of course, neither Momoa nor Heard can comment on the alleged drama right now, as the SAG-AFTRA strike is still going on: even though it would be more of an anti-promotion of the movie, rules are rules. Still, there is a chance that the writers will reach a negotiated settlement with the AMPTP, so sooner or later they will have to address the rumors of pressure on Heard.