DC Head Confirms WB Considered Amber Heard Recast For Aquaman 2

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Warner Bros. Pictures executive Walter Hamada, who serves as President of the company's DC film and television division, confirms that the studio considered recasting Amber Heard in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The actor initially made her DCEU debut in 2017's Justice League as Mera, the princess of the underwater kingdom of Xebel. She later reprised her role in Jason Momoa's solo outing, Aquaman. The actor is expected to return to the part in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom; however, the recent defamation trial brought against Heard by her former husband Johnny Depp over allegations of abuse has put her franchise future in question.

Following a libel lawsuit filed by Depp against the parent company of British tabloid The Sun in 2018 (which Depp lost) and his removal from the Harry Potter spin-off film series Fantastic Beasts, fans were calling for Heard to be removed from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom as well, with millions signing a petition. The Depp v. Heard trial has revealed salacious details about the actors' relationship but also about how their ordeal has affected their professional work. Heard has claimed that as a result of her personal dispute with Depp, her role as Mera was significantly cut down from its initial size and that Warner Bros. wanted her removed from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom entirely.

Related: Amber Heard Cut From Aquaman 2? All Updates & Contract Explained

While testifying virtually during the Depp v. Heard trial, Hamada (via The Wrap) has confirmed that the studio considered recasting Heard for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. However, Hamada explained, the reason for any casting changes was not because of Heard's personal affairs but because of a perceived lack of chemistry between her and