James Gunn’s DCU is not up to a great start. As the initial excitement surrounding The Flash has subsided, it has become apparent that the film was significantly disappointing both critically and at the box office. Additionally, with Amber Heard’s return to the cinema industry in In the Fire, the forthcoming release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is bracing itself for the potential backlash from audiences.
Amidst the actress’s controversial history, Twitter is abuzz with discussions about boycotting the upcoming movie, with fans expressing their understandable discontent. This challenging situation has created a difficult time for both James Gunn and the overall DC Extended Universe as they navigate the negative sentiment surrounding the film and its casting decisions.
Amber Heard on Her Return to DC With Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
While discussing her upcoming film In the Fire and anticipating the release of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Amber Heard acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with big franchise movies. In an interview with Deadline, she recognized the need for compromises in order to ensure the film’s success and make it the best it can be. She also talked about her role in Aquaman 2 by saying,
“There’s a ton of pressure on these big franchise movies, with millions and millions of dollars at stake, and compromises are part of trying to make it the most successful thing it can be.–‘Aquaman,’ that franchise and the machinery behind it, I’m very honored, honored to be a part of that.”
All in all people on the internet are not as thrilled as Heard, as one of them has voiced their frustration by saying,
One to boycott then
— White Knight Gamer (@WKnightGamerEU) July 3, 2023
It’s gonna flop like Flash!
— Animation 4 All | Owl House Forever (@Animation4All) July 4, 2023
It’s Gonna Flop Like The Flash Because of Controversy and Etc Around Amber Heard lol
— Fazbear Fanverse Nerd (@FazbearFanverse) July 3, 2023
Fans without skipping a beat are comparing the project with The Flash. However, many have expressed their disappointment with the casting choices by saying,
She’s very honored to be the reason that millions of people will avoid this movie.
— Sane Middle American (@MiddleSane) July 4, 2023
She is excited about a cameo in a movie that nobody wants to see because she is still in? good for her😂
— Miss ladybug Reeves Depp Potter 🐞 (@gabyladybuggma1) July 3, 2023
Only thing I don’t like about Aquaman 2 is her.
— Superhero_Enjoyer (@Comic_Cunt) July 3, 2023
The fate of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom remains uncertain, and only time will reveal the outcome of the film.
The Future of the James Gunn’s DCU
In recent months, James Gunn‘s DCU has faced its fair share of controversies. Ezra Miller’s legal issues prior to The Flash gathered huge public attention, so much so that people were led to speculate that it may have been an important factor that impacted the ticket sales. While Miller’s situation differs from Amber Heard’s, as she portrays a supporting character rather than being the lead, the fact remains that both are controversial figures cast in huge roles.
James Gunn’s reboot of the DC world also posed a significant challenge to Aquaman 2. Despite the reported plot changes and director James Wan’s efforts to align Aquaman 2 with the evolving DC landscape, the future of the film still hangs in uncertainty. This uncertainty extends to the Universe now helmed by James Gunn, leaving the fate of both the movie and the DCU itself uncertain.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will debut on 20th December 2023 in theaters.
Source: Deadline
