Aquaman And The Lost Kindgom, the sequel to the DC Universe’s underwater blockbuster, is making waves for all the wrong reasons. With a disappointing 34% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread criticism, the film’s star, Dolph Lundgren, has come forward with statements blaming corporate decisions and the controversy surrounding Amber Heard for the movie’s lackluster performance.
In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Dolph Lundgren, who plays Nereus, the king of the Atlantean tribe of Xebel in the Aquaman films, revealed that an original cut of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” existed, describing it as “really good.” However, the version that made its way to theaters was not the one Dolph Lundgren and fans expected. The sequel, which has earned $109 million domestically and $375 million worldwide, falls significantly short of the original Aquaman’s staggering $1 billion gross.
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Dolph Lundgren expressed disappointment not only for himself but also for the moviegoers. He disclosed, “I just realized that it was some kind of corporate decision that they try to limit Amber Heard, and then I’m playing her dad and went along with it.”
The controversy surrounding Amber Heard’s role in Aquaman 2 has been a focal point, with Heard herself claiming during her 2022 defamation trial involving Johnny Depp that Warner Bros. sought to minimize her role due to the fallout from her high-profile divorce. She mentioned that her part was “pared down,” leading to a reduction in action scenes.
Director James Wan, however, clarified that the sequel was always intended to focus on Aquaman’s relationship with his villainous half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), rather than a continuation of the romance between Aquaman and Mera. Wan emphasized that the first Aquaman was centered around Arthur and Mera’s journey, while the sequel would shift its focus to Arthur and Orm’s dynamic.
Despite these explanations, Dolph Lundgren’s revelation adds a new layer to the ongoing debate about the film’s direction. The apparent reduction of Amber Heard’s role and the subsequent disappointment expressed by Dolph Lundgren raise questions about the behind-the-scenes dynamics at play in the making of Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom.
The film, plagued by reports of extensive reshoots and significant changes, has faced challenges both on and off the screen. While director James Wan defended the reshoots, describing them as a logistical necessity due to the challenging schedules of the cast, the overall reception of Aquaman 2 has been polarized.
Amber Heard, who has been at the center of multiple controversies, including legal battles with ex-husband Johnny Depp, has seen her role as Mera become a lightning rod for criticism. The actress took to Instagram to express gratitude for the support she received, but the film’s box office performance and critical reception tell a different story.
Despite early claims that Amber Heard’s role had been reduced, early viewers reported a more significant presence of Mera in the film than expected. This discrepancy between expectations and reality, coupled with the controversy surrounding Heard, has likely contributed to the movie’s lackluster performance.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’s deviation from traditional superhero tropes, incorporating a heavy-handed climate change narrative, has also sparked controversy among fans and critics. The infusion of real-world issues into the superhero genre, coupled with the divisive reception of the film, raises questions about the future direction of DC movies.
What do you think of Dolph Lundgren’s comments on an Aquaman 2 cut with more Amber Heard involvement? Leave a comment and let us know.
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