(UTV | UNITED STATES) – Walter Hamada, the head of Warner Bros.’ DC Films unit, testified on Tuesday that the studio considered replacing Amber Heard in the “Aquaman” sequel.
Heard was ultimately cast in the film, but her lawyers have argued she nearly lost the job and could not re-negotiate due to the backlash over her allegations against her former partner Johnny Depp.
Hamada was the first witness called by Depp’s side as they begin their rebuttal of Heard’s counterclaim. He reportedly testified that the allegations played no role in casting decisions on the blockbuster film.
He also reportedly indicated that they did delay picking up Heard’s option as it considered whether to recast her role of Mera. The reason? A lack of chemistry with star Jason Momoa:
“They didn’t have a lot of chemistry together. Editorially they were able to make that relationship work in the first movie, but there was a concern that it took a lot of effort to get there. You know it when you see it, and the chemistry wasn’t there.”
Hamada added that the chemistry between the pair in the first was created in post-production with editing and score.