More drama has arisen surrounding the production of “Aquaman 2,” with allegations in therapy documents by Amber Heard suggesting that her co-star Jason Momoa dressed like Johnny Depp and sought to have her removed from the film. Amber Heard, aged 37, is set to reprise her role as Mera in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” scheduled for release on December 20, 2023. This comes after Heard claimed during her high-profile court case with Johnny Depp last year that she had to “fight really hard to stay in the movie,” but they didn’t want to include her in the film, leading to some of her scenes being cut.
According to Variety, fans of Johnny Depp contributed to the release of notes from Amber Heard’s therapist, Dr. Dawn Hughes, dating back to December 27, 2021, which were part of last year’s trial and later surfaced on Reddit. The notes describe an alleged hostile atmosphere on the set of “Aquaman 2” and include statements such as: “Jason said he wanted me fired. Jason drunk — late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings too.”
Momoa’s representatives have declined to comment on the matter, but a DC Studios spokesman stated, “Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Another source who was present on the London set in 2021 stated that the two actors had a good working relationship, emphasizing Momoa’s strong work ethic and professionalism on set. It was also noted that he occasionally enjoyed a beer, like many others, but never showed up to work under the influence. Furthermore, Momoa’s attire, characterized by a bohemian style, has always been consistent with his fashion sense and not an attempt to mimic Johnny Depp.
Heard’s representatives declined to comment on the matter but confirmed that the notes in question referred to “Aquaman 2” and were part of a therapy session from December 27, 2021.
In addition to the allegations against Momoa, the notes also contain claims that Amber Heard was treated poorly by the film’s director, James Wan, due to her legal dispute with Johnny Depp. According to the notes, she stated, “He raised his voice @ me — I can’t even post about Aquaman — made it like it was my fault – I said ‘I’m sorry.’ Nobody could take selfies with me on set given blackout.” James Wan declined to comment on these claims, while a DC spokesman refuted the allegations, emphasizing his reputation for treating the cast and crew with respect and fostering a positive working environment on set, even on the “Aquaman” films.
Sources also suggested that Amber Heard was nearly removed from the sequel by James Wan and the studio due to perceived “lack of chemistry” with Jason Momoa. However, her ex-boyfriend, Elon Musk, intervened to secure her position. An insider claimed that Heard’s attorneys fought the release of the notes, which had been subpoenaed by Depp’s attorneys during the discovery phase of the legal proceedings.
Moreover, the notes implied that at least two scenes involving Amber Heard were cut from the sequel: an action sequence with Mera fighting Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and a love scene with Jason Momoa. The actress’s return to the role of Mera in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” has generated controversy due to her past accusations of abuse against Johnny Depp.
A petition was initiated by Johnny Depp’s fans, demanding the recasting of Amber Heard in the film, accusing her of a “systematic crusade to ruin Depp in Hollywood.” Despite gaining millions of signatures, Amber dismissed the petition, stating that paid rumors and social media campaigns do not determine casting decisions. The producer of the film, Peter Safran, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing that the decision was based on what’s best for the movie. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is set to star Jason Momoa as the titular hero, along with other notable cast members such as Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Kidman, Yahya Abdul Mateen II, and Temuera Morrison, and it is scheduled for release in December.
