A new name has emerged as a potential replacement for the role of Mera in the Aquaman sequel, as fans have long debated who should appear alongside the ensemble. Online chatter from Johnny Depp supporters and Amber Heard critics alike has kept Warner Bros in the spotlight, with fans pushing for Heard to be replaced in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. A petition circulating online has amassed millions of signatures, reflecting strong opinions about the casting. Recently a fan art posted by a user known as DrGregVR suggested Bruce Campbell as the replacement in Aquaman 2, claiming the petition to swap in the actor had already drawn a substantial number of votes. The moment sparked a wave of reaction across social media.
Bruce Campbell himself weighed in with a tongue in cheek reply that included the line, Just send me the script. The playful remark drew mixed responses from commentators, with some enjoying the humor and others feeling it missed the mark. At the same time, Heard has stated that her screen time in the Aquaman project will be brief, describing the part as a few minutes long during a recent legal proceeding. DC Films has since denied the specific claim that the reduced role stems from a personal dispute with Depp, instead attributing the decrease to a broader creative decision regarding the dynamic between the two leads after the first film. Industry reporting emphasizes that the team aimed to recalibrate the on screen partnership for the sequel, independent of any off screen drama.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is planned for a release in 2023, with Jason Momoa continuing in the titular role and the production pursuing continuity with the prior film while exploring new narrative directions.