Aquaman 2: Bombshell report alleges Momoa dressed as Depp, Musk saved Heard’s role and more

Last Updated on October 12, 2023

Before James Gunn and Peter Safran can sunset the remaining films of DC‘s previous regime with the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the makers of superhero cinema will engage in battle with more drama related to tights and tantrums on and off set. In a new bombshell report from Variety, the outlet alleges multiple acts of strife on the $215 million-dollar tentpole. The whirlwind tale begins when documents from Amber Heard’s therapist, Dr. Dawn Hughes, concerning the actress’s defamation trial against Johnny Depp found their way onto Reddit. The notes describe a hostile work environment for Aquaman 2, citing an allegedly intoxicated Jason Momoa dressed like Depp who tried to have Heard fired off the film. Heard’s continued participation in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a subject of much debate online. Depp’s defenders call for the film’s director, James Wan, to delete Heard’s scenes, though it sounds like their cries have been brushed aside.

“Jason said he wanted me fired,” the notes say. “Jason drunk — late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings too.”

Momoa’s rep declined to comment, but a DC spokesperson came to the actor’s defense, saying, “Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.'” Other crew members refuted Heard’s claims, adding, “Jason works his ass off, likes to have a beer once in a while like everyone, but doesn’t show up drunk to set.” Meanwhile, an insider on the London set in 2021 added that the two stars got along and were seen laughing together. “And he isn’t dressing like Johnny Depp. He has always dressed in that bohemian style.”

In addition to comments about Momoa’s alleged behavior on the Aquaman 2 set, the notes also say Heard felt unsupported by Wan, who the Mera actress says treated her like an outcast because of her ongoing legal drama with Depp.

“He raised his voice @ me — ‘I can’t even post about Aquaman’ — made it like it was my fault – I said ‘I’m sorry,'” say Hughes’ notes concerning Wan. “Nobody could take selfies with me on set given blackout.” While Wan chose not to comment, crew members say the director is always professional on set.

Interestingly, Heard was almost fired from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom after Aquaman swam into theaters in 2018. Wan wanted the tide to take Heard out of the sequel due to a lack of chemistry with Momoa. Wan sent a letter to Heard’s attorney about letting her go. Momoa did not factor into the decision to oust Heard. However, another source close to the project said the “lack of chemistry” claims were unfounded, noting that Heard beat two other actresses for the role after testing positively with Momoa.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place, the studio more or less had the decision made for them when Heard’s former boyfriend, Elon Musk, sent a “scorched-earth” letter to the studio, threatening to “burn the house down” if Heard didn’t return for Aquaman 2. Musk has not responded to questions about the heated exchange.

In addition to the drama mentioned above, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is treading water on its way to cinemas. After mediocre responses to the sequel by test audiences, Wan recut the film in 2022. Unfortunately, the film sounds like it’s still fighting against an undertow of disappointment. “The movie is like this echo of regimes,” says one insider. “It’s the last remnant of the Snyderverse, and no one really wants to take ownership of it.”

Neither Momoa nor Heard can promote the film while the SAG-AFTRA strike continues. If the strike ends, the duo will hit the press circuit immediately, getting as much promotion as time allows. We know at least two of Heard’s scenes were cut from Aquaman 2, including a fight with Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and a romantic sequence with Momoa.

Sadly, DC continues to struggle against behind-the-scenes drama, lawsuits, and vicious online attacks from its fanbase. We can only hope Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom ushers the old DC regime out with a band rather than a whimper.