Aquaman, the name synonymous with undersea superhero antics, is once again taking the front seat in the world of Hollywood, but not for reasons Warner Bros. might’ve hoped for. The upcoming sequel, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” is sailing into stormy waters as two distinctive boycott campaigns gather momentum, with Amber Heard at the center of the turmoil.
Amber Heard’s Limited Screen Time: A Calculated Decision?
When the trailer for “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” dropped, fans couldn’t help but notice a glaring detail. Despite being a pivotal character, Amber Heard was seemingly allocated a mere snippet of screen time. This apparent sidelining immediately sparked speculation.
Had the makers consciously reduced her appearance in the trailer, reflecting her actual presence in the film? Or was this a marketing strategy to downplay her involvement given the controversies surrounding the actress? With unsealed court documents bringing fresh allegations and claims, it’s looking increasingly plausible that her screen time in the sequel may indeed be limited.
Boycott #1: The Pro-Depp Movement
The division among the fandom isn’t new. Ever since the legal tussle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard became public, a significant faction has rallied behind the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star. Petitions demanding Amber Heard’s removal from the “Aquaman” sequel garnered millions of signatures. And while Warner Bros. chose to keep Heard in the project, this group remains steadfast, vowing to hit the movie where it hurts most – its box office collections. Their logic? By not purchasing a ticket, they’re voicing their disapproval.
Boycott #2: Allegations Against Jason Momoa
But the waters of discontent don’t end there. Another side of the fandom, disturbed by claims about Jason Momoa‘s behavior on set, are preparing their own form of protest. Allegations suggesting Momoa would arrive on set emulating Johnny Depp’s style have left many fans outraged. This faction believes boycotting the sequel is the best way to stand against the reported mistreatment of Heard.
It’s an odd scenario, indeed. Two groups, opposing reasons, yet both aiming for the same outcome—a dent in the box office earnings of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
The Box Office Quandary
Rarely does Hollywood witness a situation where rival campaigns with contrasting perspectives share an identical goal. But if both groups stay true to their commitments, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” could find its box office potential in jeopardy. For a film following up on the highest-grossing DC Comics adaptation, that’s certainly a daunting prospect.
In the coming months, it’ll be intriguing to observe how these boycott movements evolve and what impact, if any, they have on the film’s commercial success.
