Aquaman 2 Reportedly Paying Amber Heard the Same Salary as Patrick Wilson Despite Her Reduced Role
Despite having a significantly reduced role in the upcoming Aquaman sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Amber Heard is reportedly still receiving the same $2 million salary as co-star Patrick Wilson. This has left many scratching their heads, wondering why Warner Bros decided to pay Heard the same amount as other stars given her limited screen time.
Why is Amber Heard being paid the same despite less screen time?
After Aquaman became a major box office hit grossing over $1 billion worldwide, director James Wan and Warner Bros decided to bring back star Jason Momoa along with much of the supporting cast including Amber Heard as Mera. However, during pre-production, Heard’s role was reduced for reasons unrelated to her legal battle with her ex-husband Johnny Depp.
Given that Heard’s role as Mera was diminished from the first Aquaman film for reasons described as lacking “chemistry” with Momoa, many have questioned why the studio would still pay her the same $2 million salary as co-star Patrick Wilson. Some feel this contributes to gender pay gap issues in Hollywood.
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However, as per Flick on Click, a source close to the film’s production claims Heard was not singled out for a pay cut and is simply receiving the predetermined contractual salary similar to other returning actors like Patrick Wilson and Dolph Lundgren. The main star Jason Momoa is earning over 7 times more at $15 million.
Also Read: “No Mera No Money”: Aquaman 2 Poster Humiliates Amber Heard, Johnny Depp Fans Celebrate
How much is Aquaman 2 paying its supporting cast?
The supporting cast of Aquaman 2 is also being compensated handsomely for reprising their roles. Veteran actor Willem Dafoe is earning $3.5 million to play Nuidis Vulko while Patrick Wilson is making $2 million for his role as Orm Marius. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes home $750,000 for returning as the villainous Black Manta and Dolph Lundgren scores $500,000 to suit up again as King Nereus.
New cast member Randall Park’s salary for playing Dr. Stephen Shin hasn’t been publicly revealed yet. But when combining the payouts for the film’s stars like Jason Momoa and Amber Heard with the supporting roles, the total salary expenses for the cast of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom has reportedly exceeded $40 million.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom hits theaters on December 25, 2023, starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The film’s plot remains tightly under wraps. But if the trailer views and social media buzz are any indicator, excitement continues building steadily for the sequel.
