Elon Musk threatened Warner Bros with a “scorched earth” letter if ex-Amber Heard was fired from Aquaman 2

While the alleged hostile work environment on the set of the Aquaman sequel and chemistry concerns between Heard and her co-star, Jason Momoa, had already created a significant buzz, enter Elon Musk, not in a cape, but reportedly with a strongly worded letter, ready to save the day - or more specifically, Amber Heard's role in the movie.

What

Before Musk's intervention, the sequel was sailing through troubled waters. Variety’s reports suggest that Warner Bros and director James Wan initially contemplated dropping Heard from the sequel. 

The decision was primarily based on concerns about the lack of chemistry between Heard and Momoa, who plays the titular character, Aquaman. The studio and director were apparently so convinced that they sent a letter to Heard's attorney, Karl Austen, informing him of their intention to cut her character, Mera, from the sequel. 

The Depp-Heard trial

The irony here is that this decision was made long before Johnny Depp's lawsuit against Heard, which had turned their personal lives into tabloid headlines.

Heard's situation became further complicated during the courtroom proceedings of the defamation trial. It was during these legal battles that rumours of her potential removal from the DCEU franchise resurfaced.

In her testimony, Heard revealed the challenges she faced in maintaining her role in Justice League during the tumultuous period of her divorce from Depp. She explained that her involvement in the Aquaman sequel had been jeopardized when scripts were altered, reducing her character's role. 

Heard appeared in only about 10 minutes of the sequel, including an action sequence featuring her character Mera and an intimate scene with Momoa's Aquaman. James Wan, the film's director, had clarified earlier that the sequel wasn't meant to focus on her character.

Musk to the rescue

The situation took another turn when Elon Musk, who had a previous personal relationship with Heard, intervened. Variety reported that Musk and his attorney sent a stern letter to Warner Bros, effectively threatening to take drastic measures if Heard was not reinstated in the film. 

The reported language of the letter is described as "scorched-earth," indicative of his unyielding stance. 

ALSO READ: Overwatch fan Elon Musk shares photo of ex Amber Heard in Mercy cosplay

Hostile set

Further, therapy notes from Heard that were revealed in court painted a picture of a less-than-friendly work environment. Heard claimed she felt unsupported by Wan, who allegedly vented his frustration by blaming her for not being able to promote the movie on social media. 

And to make matters worse, Heard claimed that Momoa had indulged in some on-set method acting, showing up drunk on set and dressing up like Depp, rings and all, allegedly advocating for Heard's removal from the film.

It's important to note that before landing the role of Mera, Heard had undergone a chemistry test with Momoa, besting two other actresses who underwent similar auditions, including Abbey Lee.

The future for The Lost Kingdom

As the story unfolds, the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike has further complicated the film's promotion. If the strike ends, both Momoa and Heard might be required to participate in promotional activities, making it challenging for Warner Bros and Wan to avoid accusations of a significantly reduced role for Heard in the sequel. 

The situation even spilled over into social media, with Momoa reportedly unfollowing Heard on Instagram, and some sources even claiming that he blocked her from following him. 

As Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom nears its Christmas 2023 release, the question remains - did Musk's intervention save a potential blockbuster or just a really complicated relationship status?