The president of DC Films testified Tuesday (May 24) that the studio considered replacing Amber Heard for Aquaman 2 out of concern that she lacked chemistry with star Jason Momoa.
Heard was finally solid in the sequel, however her legal professionals have argued that she practically misplaced the job and couldn’t renegotiate for extra money due to the backlash over her home abuse allegations in opposition to Johnny Depp. Heard is searching for US$100mil in a defamation counterclaim in opposition to Depp.
Walter Hamada, the top of Warner Bros DC unit, was the primary witness referred to as by Depp’s aspect as they start their rebuttal of Heard’s counterclaim in courtroom in Fairfax, Virginia. Appearing by video deposition, Hamada testified that the abuse allegations performed no position in casting choices in Aquaman 2.
However, he mentioned the studio did delay choosing up its choice for a number of weeks because it considered whether or not to recast the position of Mera, who was Aquaman’s love curiosity in the primary movie.
“They did not have so much of chemistry collectively,” Hamada mentioned. “Editorially they have been ready to make that relationship work in the primary film, however there was a priority that it took so much of effort to get there.”
Walter Hamada, the top of Warner Bros DC unit, in pre-recorded testimony, speaks in the courtroom on the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia, Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Photo: AP
Hamada mentioned that the chemistry was created in post-production, utilizing “film magic”, together with the movie’s rating. He mentioned it isn’t unusual for 2 leads to lack chemistry.
“You understand it once you see it, and the chemistry wasn’t there,” he mentioned.
Heard was paid US$1mil for the primary Aquaman, and US$2mil for the sequel. That pay was constant with her authentic contract, however Heard’s agent has testified that she ought to have been ready to renegotiate for extra money due to the worldwide success of the primary movie. However, Hamada testified that beneath his management at DC Films, he has made some extent of not mechanically renegotiating for sequels.
“An enormous half of our philosophy was we have been going to maintain folks to their choices,” he mentioned.
US actress Amber Heard speaks with a member of her authorized throughout trial on the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 24, 2022. Photo: AFP
Hamada mentioned that Aquaman 2 – due out subsequent 12 months – was conceived as a “buddy comedy” between Momoa and Patrick Wilson, who performs King Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother. Heard has alleged that her position was “pared down” significantly over time, however Hamada testified it has remained static because the movie was first developed in 2018.
Heard’s crew has contended that she misplaced out on at the very least one different position – an Amazon movie with Gael Garcia Bernal – in addition to profitable endorsement offers due to the web marketing campaign in opposition to her over her abuse allegations in opposition to Depp. – Reuters
