Heard ‘only kept role in Aquaman 2 thanks to Momoa’

AMBER HEARD only kept her role in the Aquaman sequel because star Jason Momoa and the director were “adamant she was in the film”, a court has heard. Heard was the female lead in the 2018 blockbuster but has faced a campaign from Johnny Depp fans for her to be axed from the upcoming sequel. Depp, 58, and Heard, 36, are at war in a US court over claims of domestic violence in their marriage, with Heard claiming her ex’s public statements have harmed her career. Entertainment expert Kathryn Arnold told the trial the original Aquaman film, which grossed nearly $1 billion, was supposed to be Heard’s “a star is born moment” but has not been the expected springboard for her career as she has been embroiled in the dispute with Depp.

She said comments by Depp’s former lawyer, Adam Waldman, that Heard’s claims of domestic abuse are a “hoax” contributed to an estimated $50 million (£40 million) loss of earnings. Depp is suing for $50 million over a 2018 Washington Post op-ed piece by Heard in which she describes being a victim of abuse, while Heard is countersuing for $100 million after being publicly branded a “liar”.