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Walter Hamada Dispels Amber Heard’s Claims About ‘Aquaman 2’ Contract
Walter Hamada took just nine minutes to rebut Amber Heard’s claims about the Aquaman contract in court
America’s most buzzing lawsuit between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard continues to unfold and has seen yet another chapter this Tuesday, May 23.
Following being sued by her husband, Heard sued Depp for $100 million, alleging statements made by her attorney describing her allegations of abuse by Depp as a defamatory “hoax” that impacted her career.
Walter Hamada, the head of Warner Bros. DC Films, was the first witness called by Depp’s side as they began to rebut Heard’s counterclaim in court in Fairfax, Virginia.
Hamada testified that the studio had considered replacing Amber Heard for “Aquaman 2”, so she doesn’t have chemistry with co-star Jason Momoa.
Heard testified that she believed her role in “Aquaman 2” had been reduced and that she had to fight to be in the film, which is in post-production and due out in 2023.
Heard was eventually cast in the sequel, but her lawyers argued that she nearly lost her job and couldn’t renegotiate for more money because of the backlash to the domestic violence allegations against her.
Hamada appeared on video and testified that the abuse allegations played no role in the decision-making for “Aquaman 2.” However, he said that the studio delayed the choice for several weeks because it was considering whether to recast the role of Mera, who was Aquaman’s love interest in the first film.
The DC head testified that the duo seemed to pull it off on “Aquaman” but that the film relied on “post-production magic,” including editing, sound design, and music, to help “compound” their chemistry, as “the chemistry wasn’t there.”
Hamada also testified that Heard’s role in the film and her ability to renegotiate her compensation were not affected by her involvement in the dispute with Depp or any statements made by Depp’s representatives.
Concluding remarks
Heard was paid $1 million for the first “Aquaman” and $2 million for the sequel. This salary was consistent with her original contract. Still, Heard’s agent testified that she should have been able to renegotiate for more money due to the worldwide success of the first film.
However, Hamada testified that, under his leadership at DC Films, he was careful not to renegotiate the sequels automatically.
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