Amber Heard Faces Aquaman 2 Boycott And Backlash Following Title Announcement

Director James Wan finally unveiled the title for the upcoming Aquaman sequel, but instead of celebrating, the announcement reignited calls to boycott the film unless Amber Heard gets fired.

James Wan took to Instagram to announce that Aquaman 2 will be officially titled 'Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom.'

The announcement has relit the public backlash against Warner Brothers for still keeping Amber Heard in the 'Aquaman' franchise while kicking Johnny Depp out from 'Fantastic Beasts' 3 following the estranged couple's legal battle.

Depp has filed a defamation lawsuit against Heard after she alleged she was a victim of domestic abuse. The actor also filed a lawsuit against British tabloid The Sun's publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) and author and Executive Editor Dan Wooton over a 2018 article calling him a "wife-beater." To fans' dismay, Depp lost the libel case against The Sun in November 2020. 

A few days after losing the case, the actor announced that he has stepped down from his role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts after being asked by Warner Brothers to do so.

During the nasty legal battle, Johnny Depp's team has released evidence to the public claiming that the actor was the one who suffered abuse from Amber Heard's hands.

The evidence includes a taped phone call between the two, Johnny's injured finger allegedly caused by Amber, and Amber's history of getting arrested for domestic violence against an ex.

Fans see Warner Brother's move as a huge injustice on Depp's part. Following James Wan's announcement, hashtags #BoycottAquaman2 and #JusticeForJohnnyDepp has trended on Twitter again.

One fan tweeted:

"Warner Bros fired Johnny Depp because of an ongoing case, yet Amber Heard is still in Aquaman 2. The best way to get them back is to not watch their film."

While another one said:

"So @warnerbros keep the self-confessed abuser AH but fire the victim Johnny Depp from his role as Grindelwald. Karma will do its thing in the form of a major backlash and flop. "

"Reminder that Amber Heard is a serial abuser and liar, if you support #Aquaman2, then you are supporting an abuser."

In a domino effect, the online petition to remove Amber Heard from the Aquaman 2 has gained more momentum.

"Men are victims of domestic abuse, just like women. This must be recognized, and action must be taken to prevent a known abuser from being celebrated within the entertainment industry," the petition reads.

"Do the right thing. Remove Amber Heard from Aquaman 2."

As of this writing, the petition now nears 2 million signatures. However, Warner Brothers continues to turn a blind eye to the matter.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Amber Heard is "expected" to return for her role as Mera, alongside Jason Mamoa and Patrick Wilson.