A Warner Bros. executive testified by video deposition on Tuesday that “Aquaman” star Jason Momoa talked to him about “chemistry issues” with Amber Heard, who played Momoa’s love interest in the film.
Ex-husband Johnny Depp is suing Heard for $50 million over an op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post about domestic violence, which Depp claims significantly hurt his Hollywood career. Heard has countersued for $100 million.
“Did you speak to Jason Momoa about chemistry issues between he and Amber Heard?” Heard lawyer Elaine Bredehoft asked Walter Hamada, President of DC-based film at Warner Bros.
“Yes,” Hamada replied.
Bredehoft did not follow up to ask Hamada about what specifically was said, but the executive detailed concerns from the producer about the duo’s lack of chemistry.
Continuing, Hamada explained that “magic” had to be done in post-production of the movie to help boost the onscreen chemistry between the two actors, including adjusting the movie’s score and picking the right combination of takes to use.
When Bredehoft suggested this was all commonplace, Hamada agreed, but emphasized that “a lot of effort” had to be done post-production, adding, “the chemistry wasn’t there.”
Heard’s legal team has argued that their client was not boosted in the film’s sequel due to statements from attorney Adam Waldman.
During the same deposition, Hamada contradicted statements from Heard about being “released” from her “Aquaman” contract.
The executive said Heard was never released from her contract, but that Warner Bros. exercised their “option,” as the contract outlined. He also noted “Aquaman 2” was pitched early on as a “buddy comedy” between Momoa and actor Patrick Wilson.
Heard testified this month that she was let go from her “Aquaman” contract and had to “fight” to stay in the film, which is still an uncertainty.
“They released me from my contract,” the actress told Depp attorney Camille Vasquez. “And I fought to stay in it, and they kept me in it. I just don’t know how much I’m in, actually, of the final cut.”
“I don’t know if I will even be in the final cut or how much I will be,” the 36-year-old added. “It was difficult to stay in the movie.”
Kathryn Arnold, an entertainment expert witness for Heard, argued on the stand Monday that Heard and Momoa had great chemistry in the “Aquaman,” and if not for claims from Waldman, Heard would have earned around $50 million over the next five years.
Notably, Arnold said Heard’s career is comparable to Momoa, Gal Gadot, and Zendaya, among others.
Related: Amber Heard Claims She Was Released From ‘Aquaman’ Contract, Might Not Appear In Sequel