Amber Heard returns as Mera in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ amid speculation

New Delhi: DC Comics is gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated sequel to their billion-dollar hit, “Aquaman.” The film, titled “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” brings back Amber Heard in her role as Mera. However, her return is overshadowed by controversy and skepticism, fueled by her tumultuous past with actor Johnny Depp.

The journey to bring director James Wan’s vision of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” to the big screen has been nothing short of epic. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, including early test screening reactions that left some audiences underwhelmed and deeming the film “unwatchable,” the production is on the brink of its December premiere.

One of the most significant concerns surrounding the film is the association with Amber Heard. The actress, known for her roles in “The Rum Diary” and “3 Days to Kill,” became a lightning rod for controversy after her public accusations of physical abuse against her former husband, Johnny Depp, during their tumultuous relationship in 2016. Her allegations included claims that Depp was under the influence of drugs and alcohol during these incidents.

The fallout from this public feud saw Disney and other major studios severing ties with Johnny Depp, resulting in substantial financial losses and a diminished array of potential movie roles for the actor. In response to these developments, Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against Heard in 2022, leading to a high-profile legal battle that culminated in Depp being awarded over $10 million in damages.

Throughout the Depp vs. Heard legal saga, passionate fans rallied behind Johnny Depp, leading to online harassment campaigns directed at Amber Heard. A petition circulated, demanding her removal from the “Aquaman” sequel, with some fans suggesting Emilia Clarke as an alternative to portray Mera.

While DC did not entirely remove Amber Heard from the film, reports indicate that her role as Mera has been strategically adjusted to mitigate potential backlash. Nevertheless, conflicting sources suggest that Heard’s character will maintain a presence in the sequel, akin to her role in the original 2018 “Aquaman” film.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding her role, one thing is clear: Mera will indeed make an appearance in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Rumors hint at the possibility of the storyline revealing that Mera and Arthur have welcomed a child since the events of the first film. As Warner Bros ramps up its promotional efforts for the sequel, a tantalizing teaser trailer provides fans with a glimpse of Amber Heard’s return to the superhero franchise.

Sharp-eyed fans dissected the teaser, noting a scene featuring a burning house, likely the new home of Tom Curry. In this fleeting moment, Mera is seen rushing toward the engulfed structure, hinting at a daring rescue mission.

In terms of her costume, Mera appears to be wearing a suit reminiscent of her attire from the first “Aquaman” film, suggesting a thematic connection between the two sequels. However, insiders suggest that Heard will don a new, more blue-toned suit in this highly-anticipated sequel.

While fans remain cautious and divided regarding Amber Heard’s return to the DC Universe, the studio itself exudes optimism about the movie’s prospects. Nevertheless, the teaser trailer chooses to keep Mera in the background, adding to the intrigue and anticipation surrounding “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”