Amber Heard recently took to Instagram to express gratitude for the support she received for her role as Mera in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” However, the appreciation seems to be at odds with her previous claims during her 2022 defamation trial with Johnny Depp, where she suggested that Warner Bros. wanted to minimize her role due to the fallout from her tumultuous divorce. Despite her attempt to paint a positive picture, it’s clear that her involvement in the film has been met with controversy, receiving poor ratings and becoming the latest in a series of flops for DC movies.
On Instagram, Amber Heard posted, “After all this time, Aquaman 2 made its splash (sorry, it’s too easy) 💦 Thank you to all of my fans for the overwhelming support and love in Mera’s AQ return. Thank you so much❤️ #aquaman”
In the sequel, director James Wan shifted the focus from Mera and Aquaman’s romance to Aquaman’s relationship with his villainous half-brother, Orm. This change in direction, coupled with Amber Heard’s off-screen controversies, has contributed to the lack of enthusiasm and marketing efforts for her character in the film. While the original “Aquaman” grossed over a billion dollars, the sequel’s current box office performance falls significantly short, raising questions about the impact of Amber Heard’s involvement.
Despite early claims that Amber Heard’s role had been reduced, the reality seems different as early viewers report a more significant presence of Mera in the film than expected. The lackluster box office performance, with just $81 million in North America since its December 20 launch, reflects the discontent among fans. The movie’s global ticket sales of $272.7 million, while surpassing some 2023 DC movie releases, pale in comparison to the success of its predecessor.
RELATED: DC Movie Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, Filled With Climate Change Messaging, Gets Panned On Rotten Tomatoes With 36% Initial Score
Apart from Amber Heard’s role, the film’s departure from traditional superhero tropes has stirred controversy. “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” introduces a heavy-handed climate change narrative, a departure from the escapism typically associated with superhero movies. Fans and critics alike have criticized the infusion of real-world issues, questioning the appropriateness of such themes in the superhero genre. Additionally, the heavy reliance on CGI has created visually impressive yet disconnected underwater sets, contributing to a less immersive experience.
Early reviews indicate a polarized reception, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 36% at the time of writing. Traditional superhero enthusiasts express disappointment over the film’s deviation from genre norms, highlighting the clash between fan expectations and the injection of climate change messaging. The divisive response raises questions about the evolving landscape of superhero cinema and the challenges of balancing entertainment with political narratives.
As “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” grapples with backlash, it becomes a pivotal moment in shaping the future of DC movies. The clash between traditional fan expectations and the injection of real-world issues into fictional universes poses challenges for the superhero genre. Whether any DC movie can navigate this delicate balance and regain the trust of its fanbase remains to be seen. Amber Heard’s role in the film, coupled with its box office struggles, signals a turbulent time for DC movies.
What do you think of Amber Heard’s comments on Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom? Can DC Movies recover? Leave a comment and let us know.
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