Jason Momoa Advocated Amber Heard’s Return In 'Aquaman' Sequel, New Testimony Reveals [Watch]
A new testimony revealed that "Aquaman" star Jason Momoa and the director of the movie, James Wan, wanted Amber Heard to reprise Mera's character in the upcoming sequel, "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom."
Entertainment consultant and former producer Kathryn Arnold said in the court Monday that Heard's role was almost chopped from the sequel due to Johnny Depp's case, but she continued her work in the highly anticipated DC movie due to Momoa and Wan.
Arnold said the actor and director were "committed to (Heard)" and "adamant she was in the film," ETCanada reported.
She further revealed that the actor and director shared their support via email. However, the studio wasn't in favor to keep the actress, but Momoa, Wan and Heard’s team helped the actress to reprise the character.
Arnold noted that entertainment industry people like "(Amber’s) work but they can’t work with her because every time her name is mentioned the negativity flares up again." She explained this was the reason why producers and studios were not keen on hiring Heard again.
"Her world has been silent in terms of opportunities," she added.
The entertainment consultant also disclosed that Mera's character was going to have a "strong romantic arc the entire film and some great action sequences," but later, her action scenes were cut and her role in the sequel was "radically reduced."
Considering the salary raise, Arnold shared that Momoa was able to get a salary of $15 million for the sequel while the first movie got him paid $3 million. Heard, on the other hand, could increase her salary from $2 million (first movie) to $6 million (for the sequel).
"Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" is slated to release on March 17, 2023. The flick also stars Patrick Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Dolph Lundgren.
The first installment of "Aquaman" was released in 2018. The movie earned $1 billion at the box office.
Depp and Heard got married in 2015 and Heard filed for divorce in 2016. While the former couple got divorced in 2017, the legal battle continues between them as Depp filed a $50 million defamation suit against Heard.
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