Aquaman, the protector of the deep and the king of Atlantis, is diving back into theaters this December in the much-anticipated sequel, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The film’s voyage to the big screen hasn’t been a smooth sail, grappling with multiple release date postponements. However, fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival, and it promises to be a massive splash in the box office waters.
Jason Momoa Returns, But All Eyes Are on Amber Heard
Jason Momoa reprises his role as the charismatic and powerful Aquaman. Yet, while the film boasts of its returning stars, it is Amber Heard, portraying Mera, Aquaman’s love interest, who has been drawing considerable attention.
Recently, at the Taormina Film Festival in the picturesque town of Taormina, Italy, Heard walked the red carpet for the global debut of her new thriller, In the Fire. It was here that the Deadline team took the chance to converse with her not just about her latest indie venture, but also her feelings towards Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
The contrast between an indie production and a massive franchise like Aquaman is stark. Speaking about the two, Heard shared, “These are very different kinds of projects representing two very different ends of the spectrum in my industry. There’s immense pressure on these blockbuster movies, where enormous sums are invested. With such stakes, adjustments are inevitable to ensure maximum success. In contrast, a small indie film like In the Fire is crafted with passion and art, often with limited resources leading to its own set of compromises.”
When probed further about navigating through both worlds, she emphasized, “The greatest fortune an actor can possess is the capability to straddle both worlds. With Aquaman, it’s a privilege to be part of such a grand machine. Then you have heartfelt endeavors like In the Fire, where every person, from the cast to the crew, gives their all to manifest the vision. There’s a unique charm in that.”
Amber Heard’s Return Amidst Controversies
Undoubtedly, since her appearance in the first Aquaman in 2019, the waters around Heard have been turbulent. Her widely publicized legal tussle with former spouse Johnny Depp last year culminated with the jury leaning heavily towards Depp. This legal tempest fueled speculations of Heard’s potential ouster or reduced presence in the Aquaman sequel.
However, a glimpse of the film’s trailer showcased at CinemaCon, not yet available to the public, has confirmed Mera’s presence. Addressing this, Heard commented, “I put up a real fight to retain my role. It felt as though they wanted to sideline me. Initial scripts had dynamic scenes for my character which later were noticeably absent. It felt like a significant chunk of my role was being chipped away.”
How prominent her role is in the final cut remains a topic of discussion and curiosity. Yet, what’s undeniable is that Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will emerge from the depths and grace cinemas on Dec. 20, 2023.
Conclusion
Amidst the waves of excitement, anticipation, and controversy, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to be more than just a movie. It represents the tides of the industry, the ebb and flow of an actor’s journey, and the resilience of stories that, no matter what, find their way to the audiences. One thing’s for certain – the cinematic world is waiting with bated breath for this oceanic saga.
