Delving into the DC Drama Surrounding Jason Momoa and Amber Heard in Aquaman 2. For those closely following the unfolding DC drama, a burning question lingers: What’s the story behind Jason Momoa and Amber Heard in Aquaman 2?
Jason Momoa, who takes on the role of Aquaman in the DCEU film series, shares the screen with Amber Heard, who portrays his love interest, Mera. The intrigue began on May 7, 2022, when Amber testified in her defamation trial with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.
During her testimony, she revealed that the trial and her public image from her previous relationship with Depp had a noticeable impact on her role as Mera in the Aquaman sequel. She explained, “I was given a script and then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes with action and significant character development, including a pivotal confrontation between two characters. They just removed a significant portion of my role.”
DC Films president James Hamada, testifying on behalf of Johnny Depp’s legal team, pointed to Amber’s “lack of chemistry” with Jason Momoa’s Aquaman character as the reason for her reduced role. He noted, “They didn’t really have a lot of chemistry together. The reality is it’s not uncommon in movies for two leads not to have chemistry. Movie magic and the editorial process can create that sort of chemistry.”
Jason Momoa had previously shown support for Amber throughout the trial and their work on Aquaman 2. Testimony from DC Movies president James Hamada later revealed that both Momoa and Aquaman director James Wan were determined to keep Amber in the film despite her reduced role. Hollywood expert Kathryn Arnold, who testified during the trial, confirmed their commitment to Amber.
However, fresh revelations emerged in September 2023 when fans of Johnny Depp contributed to the release of documents from Amber Heard’s therapist, Dr. Dawn Hughes, as reported by Variety. The notes on a legal pad painted a picture of a hostile atmosphere on the “Aquaman” set, where an allegedly intoxicated Jason Momoa, dressed like Depp, was pushing for Heard’s removal from the movie. The notes indicated, “Jason said he wanted me fired. Jason was drunk—late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings, too.”
Director James Wan also appeared to have had contentious interactions with Heard on set, as per Hughes’ notes. “He raised his voice @ me—‘I can’t even post about Aquaman’—made it like it was my fault—I said ‘I’m sorry.’” Hughes’ notes suggested that nobody could take selfies with her on set due to a blackout.
A DC Spokesperson refuted these allegations, asserting, “Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.’” As for Wan, “James is known for treating members of his cast and crew with the utmost respect and for fostering a positive, collaborative environment on set—the ‘Aquaman’ films were no exception.”
Additional sources echoed these sentiments, countering the claims of Momoa’s inebriation and Depp-like attire. An insider who worked on the London set in 2021 stated, “Jason works his ass off, likes to have a beer once in a while like everyone, but doesn’t show up drunk to set. And he isn’t dressing like Johnny Depp. He has always dressed in that bohemian style.”
Adding another layer to the drama, Elon Musk’s litigator, who once represented Amber Heard, sent a strongly worded letter to Warner Bros., threatening to take drastic measures if Heard wasn’t brought back for a sequel, according to an insider familiar with the behind-the-scenes battle.