The set of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” reportedly experienced turmoil, according to actress Amber Heard’s therapist, Dr. Dawn Hughes. Documents from Heard’s defamation trial against her ex-husband Johnny Depp, which occurred in April 2022, revealed allegations of a toxic work environment.
One incident detailed in the notes suggests that Jason Momoa, who plays the lead in the film, appeared on set allegedly drunk and dressed like Johnny Depp.
The therapist’s notes stated, “Jason said he wanted me fired. Jason drunk — late on set. Dressing like Johnny. Has all the rings, too.” The documents were reportedly from a therapy session on December 27, 2021.
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for DC, the studio behind the film, stated, “Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.” Another source from the set disputed the allegations, noting that Momoa works hard, occasionally enjoys a beer, but does not show up drunk to set. They also mentioned that Momoa has always dressed in a bohemian style and denied the assertion that he was imitating Johnny Depp.
The alleged therapy notes also mentioned director James Wan, claiming that he “raised his voice” at Heard on set and almost fired her from the sequel. The DC spokesperson defended Wan, stating, “James is known for treating members of his cast and crew with the utmost respect and for fostering a positive, collaborative environment on set — the Aquaman films were no exception.”
There were additional claims that Elon Musk, Heard’s former flame, had one of his litigators send a threatening letter to Warner Bros., the film’s studio, demanding Heard’s inclusion in the movie. The letter allegedly threatened to “burn the house down” if Heard wasn’t hired due to her alleged lack of chemistry with Momoa. DC sources disputed this claim as well.
The conflicting accounts highlight the challenges in discerning the truth surrounding the reported on-set issues during the production of “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
