The ongoing defamation trial involving actors Amber Heard and Johnny Depp picked up right where it left with new testimonies now shedding some light on just what type of movie DC fans can expect whenAquaman and the Lost Kingdompremieres next year.
Heard had already taken the stand on May 5, but the trial came to a brief halt due to Judge Penny Azcarate having to attend a previously scheduled and unrelated conference from May 9 to 12, meaning Twitch streamers got a break over the weekend from the latest trend on the platform. TheDepp vs. Heard trial’s popularityin mainstream media has turned the tumultuous case into quite a hot topic, but the latest revelations to come out of the courtroom go as far as suggesting Mera will not fight side-by-side withAquamanin the sequel.
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This highlight moment came when Heard was being asked about matters related to her finances, work prospects, and the overall effects the case has had on her career, which naturally includesAquaman 2. During this part of Heard’s testimony, she explained how she had signed a 3-picture deal with DC that would encompassJustice League,Aquaman, and potentially sequels to both. Nevertheless, Mera’s role inAquaman 2was largely reduced, as the actor claimed she “fought really hard to stay in the movie. They didn’t want to include me in the film.”
While there are fan petitions to get Heard completely removed from the film,Mera will be back inAquaman 2, but it appears she will return with a reduced role. “I was given a script. Then given new versions of the script that had taken away scenes that had action in it, that depicted my character and another character, without giving spoilers away, two characters fighting with one another,” Head said. “They basically took a bunch out of my role. They just removed a bunch.” Heard’s declarations were part of a long round of questions that also touched upon how her position as a L’Oréal ambassador was also compromised.
SinceAquaman and the Lost Kingdomis still a long wayfrom landing in theaters, there’s some room for speculation as to how much more footage of Heard could ultimately be cut from the movie in addition to what already appears to be a trimmed down role, especially once the jury enters the deliberation stage to produce a verdict. The trial is expected to conclude on May 19, but the jury could take anywhere between hours and days to reach a final decision.
Heard has lost the favor of public opinion since the trial started, as the defendant not only had to fire her original PR team buteven Aquaman himself Jason Momoahas apparently shown his support with a stealthy follow on Instagram. Whatever the outcome, the sheer level of fascination this case has provoked is already worthy of some thought, as Twitch viewership makes many people wonder if it’s right or wrong to give this much exposure to a story filled with so much domestic abuse solely for entertainment purposes.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdomis scheduled to release in theaters on July 07, 2025.
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