“It was some kind of corporate decision”: Dolph Lundgren Says Warner Bros’ Forced Reshoots Ruined Amber Heard’s Role in Jason Momoa’s Aquaman 2
Reshoots and evolving scripts aren’t uncommon for filmmakers while developing their films. Similarly, James Wan, the creator of DC’s highest-grossing movie, had to edit Aquaman 2, and this didn’t sit well with Dolph Lundgren, who plays Mera’s father.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom came out last year in December, and since then, it has been discussed in terms of box-office collection. However, what has earned the sequel even more attention is Dolph Lundgren’s revelation about the initial plan for the movie. According to the actor, he and Amber Heard previously had more screen time, but due to corporate decisions, the makers decided to rework the original plan.
Dolph Lundgren Reveals The Initial Plan Had More Screen Time For Him and Amber Heard in Aquaman 2
No other screen time has been widely debated than that of Amber Heard‘s Mera in Jason Momoa‘s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Following her personal life conflicts, Heard found herself in hot water while her fans were furious about the actress’s diminished role in the sequel. The internet was flooded with fans debating over Heard’s part being ignored due to her legal battle with her ex-husband.
Also Read: Jason Momoa’s Aquaman 2 Beats Ezra Miller’s The Flash at Box Office
However, Aquaman 2 is finally out and has become the fourth highest-grossing film of 2023. But what if we tell you that viewers almost got the chance to witness more of Mera and her father, King Nereus? Well, this is indeed true as disclosed by Dolph Lundgren himself. The actor has expressed disappointment with Warner Bros for initiating reshoots that affected his and Heard’s role in the film, ultimately leading to a lesser part compared to the original script. He told Comicbook.com that:
“I just realized that it was some kind of corporate decision that they try to limit Amber Heard and then I’m playing with her dad and went along with it. I was just disappointed for the moviegoers, because I thought the original script was great and the original cut — I saw a little bit of it, it was really good, so I didn’t see any reason to start reshooting and reshaping the story, which obviously led to disappointment in the moviegoers and not just me.”
While blaming the corporate decisions, Dolph also mentioned that he felt disheartened not only for himself but also for the viewers who never got to see the original plan. According to the actor, reshoots weren’t necessary, and sticking to the initial story could have pawed the way for Aquaman 2. Following the revelation of the Wanted Man star, fans are demanding the release of Wan’s original cut.
Reshoots in Aquaman 2 Were Frustrating For Dolph Lundgren
Despite previous rumors surrounding Amber Heard’s involvement in Aquaman 2, Dolph Lundgren shared that he found the script compelling and more engaging before the reshoots. When he was informed about filming different scenes than what was decided, the Castle Falls star was frustrated. In an interview with UPI, Lundgren said:
“When you start inserting different story elements into something [with which] there was a unity that worked, then you can get in trouble. It was a little frustrating for me. I felt a little disappointed, but life goes on.”
Though Dolph Lundgren found it difficult to accept a lesser part for himself and Amber Heard, he conveyed himself and agreed to the reshoots. Apart from the two actors, Ben Affleck was supposed to appear in Aquaman 2 as Batman, but after the film was out, there was no cameo, including the caped crusader.
Watch Aquaman 2 in theatres now.
