It’s been quite unclear what’s going on with upcoming sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. With the recent Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, it was highly speculated that Amber Heard would have her scenes cut down or removed entirely. Especially considering how Warner Bros fired Johnny Depp from the Fantastic Beasts franchise. In fact, reports suggested that Amber Heard’s scenes were either cut down to ten minutes or removed entirely. Now, however, it’s been suggested that Amber Heard’s screen time has been increased – to an entire 20 minutes – at recent test screenings.
It seems this is Warner Bros’ attempt to test different reactions to her role. Especially now that the trial has ended, they might think this is a better time to see how people feel. In any case, it looks like their first test is to keep Amber Heard’s screen time flowing all throughout the film.
As noted below:
“Just got a confirmation that the latest #Aquaman2 test screening that was held today still had Amber Heard from start to finish. Probably WB is testing the waters with the public now that the trial is over. Screentime approximately around 20-25 mins. #AquamanAndTheLostKingdom”
Just got a confirmation that the latest #Aquaman2 test screening that was held today still had Amber Heard from start to finish. Probably WB is testing the waters with the public now that the trial is over.
Screentime approximately around 20-25 mins.#AquamanAndTheLostKingdom pic.twitter.com/DQlLOD3Wrv— Undercover Audience (@UndercoverCine) June 8, 2022
Hopefully we’ll have more details on this matter soon. For the time being, millions of people have signed a petition to have Amber Heard removed from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom entirely. So all things considered, it seems likely that responses won’t change much during the test screenings. But we shall see what happens – as such, fans can stay tuned to ScreenGeek for updates as we have them.
James Wan, director of the first Aquaman film, returned to direct this installment from a screenplay written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick. He co-wrote the first Aquaman film alongside Will Beall and James Wan.
The film will once again star actor Jason Momoa as the titular superhero, Aquaman. The cast also includes Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta.
Audiences can currently expect Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom to be released early next year on March 17, 2023.