James Wan on Aquaman 2 Focusing Less on Amber Heard: “It’s not unlike what Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones did in Men In Black”

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom director James Wan has addressed star Amber Heard’s diminished role in the DC sequel. Heard suggests she was originally meant to feature more before becoming a minimized presence. However, Wan contends he always envisioned a “buddy comedy” shifting focus away from her character Mera.

Did Amber Heard’s Personal Controversies Factor In?

While talking about Heard’s acquisitions James Wan said:

“It’s fair that she said that, because she wasn’t in my head as I was working on this movie, But this was always my plan.”

Amber Heard has faced immense public criticism tied to her legal battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp. Some fans attribute her Aquaman 2 downgrade to the media furor surrounding their toxic split. However, Wan claims he pitched a story centered on Jason Momoa‘s Aquaman and Patrick Wilson’s Orm from the very beginning.

“I wanted to do Tango & Cash!” he said, namechecking the 1989 action-comedy. Still, the timing furthers speculation.

Also Read: “If other people don’t like her I don’t know what to say”: Zack Snyder Defends Amber Heard Ahead of Her Potential Final DCU Movie Aquaman 2

What is James Wan’s Stance On Recasting And Reshoots?

Addressing whispers of extensive Aquaman 2 reshoots and recasting, Wan stuck to branding the sequel a tonal departure into all-out “buddy comedy” territory.

“Jason plays Arthur larger-than-life; Patrick plays the straight man. It’s not unlike what Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones did in Men In Black,” the director elucidated.

While firmer denial of reworking around Heard would quiet rumors, Wan asserts her bit part fits his long-held comedic vision for the reunion.

Also Read: “What I once thought was love for this gold-digging, low level…”: Disturbing Johnny Depp Texts Reveal a Vengeful Side of Jack Sparrow

What Is Amber Heard’s Future In The DCEU?

Regardless of how her role was reduced, Amber Heard seems unlikely to headline a major DC film again soon. Despite Aquaman’s profits, she hasn’t led a box office hit herself.

And her ongoing infamy among the vocally pro-Depp segment of pop culture fans further dims Heard’s chances at winning over audiences. For now, her turn as Mera depends on whether Aquaman 2 ignores or leans into the real-world drama.

Read Next: “No Mera No Money”: Aquaman 2 Poster Humiliates Amber Heard, Johnny Depp Fans Celebrate