Update: Just Jared is now reporting new sources on Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom that say Amber Heard will remain in the film, albeit with a small role. Just Jared continues to cite their original source, which claims Heard will be recast in the film. Heard's spokesperson issued a statement to TMZ denying the report: "The rumor mill continues as it has from Day One -- inaccurate, insensitive, and slightly insane."
Update 2: Variety has debunked Just Jared's report that Heard has been cut from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The original story appears below.
---
Warner Bros. is reportedly cutting Amber Heard from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and will recast Mera. The DC Extended Universe launched a new franchise in 2018 when Jason Momoa starred in Aquaman as Arthur Curry. This came after Justice League introduced viewers to his world and supporting characters, such as Amber Heard's Mera. She returned to star in Aquaman as the female lead and main love interest for Momoa's superhero. Amber Heard then returned to the DCEU to film scenes for Aquaman 2, even though her lawsuit with Johnny Depp raised questions about her future.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp's messy legal battle ended recently with the jury ruling against the Aquaman star. As part of the trial, Heard's future with DC as Mera was once again brought into question. The actress said Warner Bros. originally did not want to bring her back for Aquaman 2, but she remained on board as Mera after Jason Momoa and director James Wan fought for her involvement. But ever since Heard admitted she wasn't sure if her reduced role would make the final cut and the court sided with Johnny Depp, speculation continued to mount about Mera's DCEU future.
Now, a report from Just Jared claims that Warner Bros. will indeed cut Amber Heard from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The plan is to reportedly scrap all scenes involving Amber Heard's version of Mera and recast the role for Aquaman 2 and beyond. No new actress has been found for the role as of this time. This is still a rumor, though, so there is a chance Amber Heard is not cut from Aquaman 2.
The reported decision to cut Amber Heard from Aquaman 2 will mean her time with the DCEU after two appearances. She debuted in Justice League and returned for Aquaman, but Heard also came back to film scenes for Zack Snyder's Justice League too. Mera's role in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is already said to be reduced due to it focusing on Aquaman and Ocean Master (Patrick Wilson) instead. Cutting Amber Heard and recasting Mera comes after the actress confirmed WB already released her from her contract and DC Films head Walter Hamada confirmed they considered recasting prior to production starting.
While Amber Heard is planning to appeal the results of the Johnny Depp trial, it now appears that WB and DC are focusing on recasting Mera. It will not take long for fans to once again begin hoping it ends in a Game of Thrones reunion for Jason Momoa and Emilia Clarke. Considering the chemistry concerns between Momoa and Heard, the studios will certainly prioritize finding someone that will be a more believable love interest for Aquaman moving forward. Now it just remains to be seen who will replace Amber Heard as Mera in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Source: Just Jared, TMZ
