If the franchise continues after the next movie, recasting seems inevitable due to backlash and the potential reinventing of the character's universe. It's unclear how Heard will be involved moving forward as DC seeks a fresh creative approach.
In relation to her recent, well-publicized defamation trial with her ex-husband Johnny Depp, Heard has encountered criticism.
She stated during the trial that she thought her contract with DC had been cancelled and that her part in the sequel had been reduced.
Further doubts about more movies have also been raised by Jason Momoa's recent remarks on The Tonight Show. Momoa hinted that the franchise might be revived when he said Aquaman 2 would be his final appearance as Arthur Curry.Because of Heard and Momoa's alleged lack of chemistry, former DC head Walter Hamada supported recasting Heard.Fans have been requesting her removal from Aquaman 2 in a long-running petition due to allegations of domestic abuse.
As DC undergoes a transition under the direction of James Gunn and Peter Safran, a lot of characters seem to be starting over rather than continuing from earlier iterations.
It has been reported that Gunn is considering appointing new actors to play iconic characters like Superman, Batman, and Aquaman. While it is expected that original stars like Viola Davis and John Cena will make a comeback, Heard's story as Mera doesn't seem to be related to those plans.
Recasting appears inevitable if the franchise is to continue after the upcoming film because of the backlash and the possible need to reinvent the character's universe. It's unclear how Heard will be involved moving forward as DC seeks a fresh creative approach.