After a very public court battle with ex-husband Johnny Depp, it appears Amber Heard has largely become persona non grata in Hollywood (though the same could be said for the Pirates of the Caribbean star).
It appears Warner Bros. would very much like us all to forget that she's part of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, explaining why the actress only appeared in a single shot of the sequel's first trailer. The character is also going to be sidelined in the movie, with Arthur Curry instead teaming up with his half-brother Orm.
That does a disservice to Mera and, despite denials from director James Wan, Heard has confirmed her part in the Aquaman follow-up was trimmed down.
All things considered, it's not overly surprising, but some new promo art at least gives Mera one last chance to shine. Pictured alongside Arthur Curry, it doesn't reveal anything about her role in the movie beyond confirming she'll have at least a handful of scenes.
Elsewhere, the focus is largely on Aquaman and his unique new mode of transportation.
Recently, it's been reported that people walked out of test screenings because Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom was so "boring," but there's now a lot more excitement among fans following a sneak peek promising what, on the surface, looks like a fun ride.
Check out this new promo art below.
Director James Wan and Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa - along with Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman - return in the sequel to the highest-grossing DC film of all time: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction.
All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, now balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brother’s reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantis’ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his father’s death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin.
The screenplay is by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, from a story by James Wan & David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jason Momoa & Thomas Pa'a Sibbett.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be released on December 20.