Amber Heard's role as Mera in Aquaman 2 has notably shrunk, with only 11 lines opposite Jason Momoa's Aquaman, as per Business Insider. Despite Mera's significant connections within the plot being Aquaman's spouse and giving birth, the portrayal appears smaller with minimal dialogue, seemingly confined by contractual terms. In the DC film, Amber Heard's appearances are brief, accumulating a mere 15-20 minutes of screen time. Business Insider notes Mera was depicted as a ruler in Atlantis, engaging in council discussions. However, during an attack on Atlantis, she intervenes and suffers severe injuries inflicted by Black Manta. ALSO READ: 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom' Trailer OUT! Jason Momoa’s King of Atlantis Clashes With The Black Trident-Wielding Black Manta-WATCH
According to reports, she spends a significant part of the movie in recovery, eventually reappearing to aid Aquaman and Orm in defeating Black Manta. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom primarily steers away from delving deeply into Heard's character, Mera. Instead, the focus remains on Arthur and his half-brother, Orm, despite their prior enmity. However, Amber Heard's reduced screen time in Aquaman 2 isn't solely due to this storyline direction. ALSO READ: WHAT?! Johnny Depp Wanted To Have A Baby With Amber Heard? Aquaman Actress Refused To Be ‘Barefoot And Pregnant And At Home’
According to Variety, Jason Momoa expressed hesitancy about Amber playing his romantic interest, and their on-screen chemistry nearly led to her dismissal from the sequel. Additionally, her legal battle with Johnny Depp strained relations between her and director James Wan. Elon Musk reportedly intervened to support Heard's continuation in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
As per Variety, Musk's lawyer issued a strongly worded letter to Warner Bros, threatening drastic action if Heard wasn't retained in the film. It appears Warner Bros conceded, opting to keep Heard in the sequel. Requests for comments from Musk or Heard remain unanswered.
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