Aquaman 2 Sets Sail Amidst a Sea of Controversy and Boycott Calls
A tempest brews over the cinematic seas as “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” anchors amidst tumultuous currents, navigated by issues sprung from its own cast. The anticipated DCEU (DC Extended Universe) installment finds itself embroiled in controversies that may capsize its voyage even before setting sail into theaters.
A Tidal Wave of Discontent: Fans and the Amber Heard Situation
“The sea forgets no one.” Or at least, that’s the case with the fanbase of Aquaman, who are now embarking on a journey to perhaps make the production studios wish they hadn’t forgotten the controversy surrounding Amber Heard. The reprisal of her role as Mera in the upcoming sequel has unleashed a tide of displeasure amongst fans, primarily stemming from the notorious Depp vs. Heard trial and the allegations made therein by Johnny Depp.
Heard defended her actions staunchly, managing to retain her cinematic crown amidst the chaos. An unclear atmosphere shrouded her participation in “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” for quite some time, with various reports suggesting that Warner Bros. were testing versions of the film with and without Heard’s character. Yet, the revelation of Mera’s presence in the film has now sparked calls for a boycott.
The Echoing Voices of Dissent from the Depths of Social Media
One platform, X, has been particularly vocal with users expressing their clear dissatisfaction:
#BoycottAquaman2@wbpictures supports #AmberHeardisAnAbuser who 💩in beds https://t.co/B5f0vKtyJZ
— LL⚓️🏴☠️🌹 (@la77465262) October 2, 2023
Just a friendly reminder that the #BoycottWB, #BoycottAquaman2 is still currently happening. Just in case they forgot.
— Falsus In Uno, Falsus In Omnibus (@martin46783457) October 1, 2023
#BoycottAquaman2
Because @wbpictures supports #AmberHeardlsAnAbuser https://t.co/1cotbN5v51— LL⚓️🏴☠️🌹 (@la77465262) October 1, 2023
“I’m a fraud”
One of the rare times that Amber Heard has spoken THE truth.#AmberHeardIsToxic#BoycottAquaman2#BoycottInTheFire https://t.co/dN57xwz7Wt
— Dr Truthseeker (@Truthse10335075) September 22, 2023
#BoycottAquaman2 @wbpictures supports #AmberHeardIsToxic and deserves to go down the 🚽with her https://t.co/OMU67pVnTm
— LL⚓️🏴☠️🌹 (@la77465262) September 23, 2023
NEVER REWARD BAD BEHAVIOR#BoycottAmberHeard#BoycottAmberHeardMovies#BoycottAquaman2#BoycottInTheFire#BoycottWBD pic.twitter.com/66MazaAclJ
— Sharon Thompson-Martin (@SharonM97871635) September 20, 2023
Seems like @warnerbros @wbpictures @wbd, and Peter Safran are the only ones who doesn’t want the bed shitting abuser fired, for some FISHY reason… 🛋️ #AmberHeardIsAPredator #AquamanAndTheLostKingdom #BoycottAquaman2 https://t.co/2ATn0oO0pI pic.twitter.com/9jUChpOmVz
— #𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐩 🐟 (@forthegr8rtruth) September 21, 2023
IDGAF how late you released this #boycottaquaman2 #AquamanAndTheLostKingdom YOU KEPT AN ABUSER ON THE FILM and said you didn’t care about the fans opinions. Hope that decision was worth it. #AmberHeardlsAnAbuser #AmberHeardIsALiar #JusticeForJohnnyDepp pic.twitter.com/yqwNrkFiD4
— Kris✨ (@kristyactually2) September 20, 2023
The ripple effect of these calls to boycott the film raises questions regarding their potential impact, considering that prior attempts to remove Heard were unfruitful. But as the wave of fans’ determination surges, it’s worth noting that even a modicum of disturbance in the film’s serene sail to success can be consequential, especially in light of the DCEU’s recent box office struggles.
Casting a Net on the Story Ahead
Even amidst the stormy seas, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” plots its course with a tale that is poised to potentially conclude the current narrative arc of the DCEU. Directed by James Wan and penned by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick – who also co-wrote the first Aquaman installment – the sequel aims to immerse audiences once again into the enthralling underwater world that captivated many in the initial film.
Joining the ensemble alongside Jason Momoa (Aquaman) and Amber Heard (Mera) are Patrick Wilson reprising his role as Ocean Master, Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II returning as the vengeful Black Manta.
A Voyage into Uncertain Waters
While the film’s theatrical release on December 20, 2023, promises an enchanting dive back into the oceanic kingdom, one cannot ignore the turbulent waters it sails on due to off-screen matters. The stark opposition to Heard’s involvement underscores a pivotal moment where cinematic art and real-world controversy entangle, creating a maelstrom that could sway the ship into unforeseen territories.
Will this vessel of cinematic spectacle navigate successfully through the perils of public opinion and dock triumphantly at the box office harbor? Or will it be capsized by the vehement wind of fan opposition? Only time, and perhaps the seas of social discourse, will tell.
