Summary
- Aquaman star Jason Momoa allegedly arrived drunk on set and dressed like Johnny Depp.
- Documents released from the Depp-Heard defamation trial reveals a hostile atmosphere on the Aquaman sequel set, with Heard feeling unsupported by director James Wan.
- Although these are allegations, reps for Momoa and Wan have yet to respond, while DC and an insider have defended their professionalism and positive work environment.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom star Jason Momoa allegedly arrived on set of the DC movie “intoxicated,” dressed like Johnny Depp, and “pushed to have [Amber] Heard booted from the role of aquatic superhero Mera.” These stark allegations come as a result of documents which have been released as part of the Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard defamation trial. The documents have now come to light due to Depp fans paying court fees for “the release of documents from Heard’s therapist,” according to a new report by Variety.
They seemingly reveal the “hostile” atmosphere on the set of the Aquaman sequel, which includes lead actor Jason Momoa arriving on set drunk and dressed up like Depp. “Jason said he wanted me fired,” the notes say. “Jason drunk — late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings too.”
While Heard’s lawyers tried to fight for the documents to stay confidential, released they have been, and it’s not just Momoa whose behavior is alleged to have been poor towards the actress. The therapy session notes state that Heard felt “unsupported” by director James Wan, with Heard saying she felt like a “pariah” due to the legal goings-on between herself and ex-husband Johnny 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,’” the notes read when discussing Wan. “Nobody could take selfies with me on set given blackout.”
Of course, it’s worth noting that these are currently allegations, and reps for Jason Momoa and James Wan have yet to respond.
Amber Heard Was Nearly Fired From Aquman 2…but Elon Musk Stepped In
The report goes on to reveal that Heard was in fact nearly fired from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with Wan wanting to “drop the actress from the sequel due to her lack of chemistry with Momoa.” A letter was even sent to Heard’s attorney, Karl Austen, regarding the decision.
The lack of chemistry issue has been reported before, but now a source has pushed back saying that Heard “did a chemistry test with Momoa before landing the role of Mera and beat out two other actresses who did a similar chemistry test, including Abbey Lee.”
Another source however states that the almost-firing of Heard did happen, and she was only kept on the project after her then boyfriend Elon Musk asked “one of his litigators” to send a “scorched-earth letter to Warner Bros. threatening to burn the house down” if Heard was not brought back for the Aquaman follow-up.
While Momoa’s reps declined to comment, DC has spoken up for their star, with a spokesperson saying:
“Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.’”
This was also echoed by others, with an insider who was on set of the DC movie back in 2021 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. And he isn’t dressing like Johnny Depp. He has always dressed in that bohemian style.”
The DC spokesperson also defended James Wan saying:
“James is known for treating members of his cast and crew with the utmost respect and for fostering a positive, collaborative environment on set — the ‘Aquaman’ films were no exception.”
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 20, 2023.