Warner Bros. Considered Replacing Amber Heard in ‘Aquaman 2’
On Tuesday, the head of DC Films testified that the company explored replacing Amber Heard in "Aquaman 2" because she lacked chemistry with actor Jason Momoa.
Heard was eventually cast in the sequel, but her attorneys claim she almost lost the job and could not bargain for additional money because of the uproar over her domestic violence claims against Johnny Depp.
In a defamation case against Depp, Heard is demanding $100 million.
The first witness summoned by Depp's side was Walter Hamada, the head of Warner Bros.'
They began their rebuttal of Heard's lawsuit in court in Fairfax, Va. Hamada, DC branch testified through video deposition that the abuse claims had no bearing on casting selections for "Aquaman 2."
However, he stated that the studio delayed picking up its option for many weeks while deciding whether to recast Mera, Aquaman's love interest in the first film.
"They didn't have a lot of chemistry," Hamada said. "They were able to make that connection work editorially in the first film, but there was worry that it took a lot of effort to get there."
The chemistry, according to Hamada, was generated in post-production utilizing "movie magic," including the film's music. According to him, it is not uncommon for two leads to lack chemistry.
Heard received a one-time payment of $1 million for the first "Aquaman," and a two-time $2 million for the sequel, and that remuneration was consistent with her initial contract.
Still, Heard's representative stated that owing to the global popularity of the first picture; she should have been allowed to renegotiate for more money.