Speaking to author Walter Isaacson for his recently released Elon Musk biography, Amber Heard had this to say about her ex-boyfriend: “Elon loves fire, and sometimes it burns him.” According to a new report from Variety, the SpaceX and Tesla founder was willing to wield that fiery energy when it came to salvaging Heard’s role in the upcoming Aquaman sequel.
The trade reports that the actor’s therapy notes say that costar Jason Momoa wanted her fired from her role as Aquaman’s love interest, Mera, and that director James Wan antagonized her because of her legal fight with Depp. The outlet cited unearthed notes from Heard’s therapist, Dawn Hughes, which were used in Heard and ex-husband Johnny Depp’s defamation trial. Variety reports that sources say Heard was nearly fired due to a lack of chemistry with Momoa.
But Heard’s role was ultimately saved by Musk, according to Variety, who had one of his lawyers send a “scorched-earth letter to Warner Bros. threatening to burn the house down” if the actor wasn’t reenlisted for the sequel. (Representatives for Heard, Momoa, Musk, and Wan did not provide comment to Variety. Vanity Fair has reached out for additional comment to Warner Bros./DC.)
Heard—who declined comment to Variety, though a source close to her confirmed the notes reflect her therapy session on December 27, 2021—previously confirmed about her reduced role during the defamation trial. Former DC Films boss Walter Hamada said on the stand that there had been a “lack of chemistry” between Heard and Momoa. But attorney Kathryn Arnold stated that Momoa and Wan were both “adamant” that Heard remained in the film.
The notes detail a toxic work environment in which Momoa allegedly showed up to set inebriated and dressed like Depp. “Jason said he wanted me fired,” the notes reported said. “Jason drunk—late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings too.” A DC handler denied this account, saying, “Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Another source added, “Jason works his ass off, likes to have a beer once in a while like everyone, but doesn’t show up drunk to set. And he isn’t dressed like Johnny Depp. He has always dressed in that bohemian style.”
Of Wan, who also directed 2018’s Aquaman origin story, the notes read, “He raised his voice @ me—’I can’t even post about Aquaman’—made it like it was my fault—I said ‘I’m sorry. ‘ Nobody could take selfies with me on set given blackout.” A DC announcer said, “James is known for treating members of his cast and crew with the utmost respect and for fostering a positive, collaborative environment on set—the Aquaman films were no exception.”
Sources tell Variety that at least two Heard scenes have been cut from the final version of the film, which has been reported recut multiple times and reshot since the summer of 2022. A separate source maintains that the film was on schedule, under budget, and required only about a week of reshooting.
