Amber Heard Talks About 'Pressure' of Reprising Her Role In 'Aquaman 2'

Actress Amber Heard has finally broken her silence regarding her return to the highly anticipated sequel, "Aquaman 2." After months of speculation and rumors, Heard opened up about the challenges and pressures she faces reprising her role as Mera alongside Jason Momoa's Aquaman.

The actress recently shared her commitment to her art but noted that she doesn't want to be "crucified" as an actress following her highly publicized trial with Johnny Depp.

Read on for more details.

In an interview with Deadline, Heard acknowledged that she was "honored" to be returning to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) franchise but admitted that there was a "ton of pressure" as she compared it to her latest film, "In The Fire."

She admitted, "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 possible. Then on the other end of the spectrum is a small indie film like 'In The Fire,' a work of art and work of love, with nowhere near the same resources, and so there are compromises there."

Heard continued, "The best luck you can have as an actor is balancing both. Aquaman, that franchise and the machinery behind it, I'm very honored, honored to be a part of that."

"And then there are these small passion projects like In The Fire, where I'm proud to have gotten to know the filmmaker and the cast, and we got dirty together to breathe life into this story," the actress added. "There's something cool about that, and I think success is an actor who can have both those things."

Heard's return to Mera's role has been controversial since her highly publicized legal battle with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. The actress faced allegations of domestic violence, which caused a significant division among fans, with some calling for her removal from the film.

According to the Daily Mail, a petition to have her role recast for the sequel was launched by the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor's fans as they accused her of a "systematic crusade to ruin Depp in Hollywood."

Addressing the controversy head-on, Heard dismissed it, saying, "Paid rumors and paid campaigns on social media don't dictate [casting decisions] because they have no basis in reality."

Heard has opened up about her struggles following the highly publicized trial involving her ex-husband, actor Depp. Heard, known for her roles in films like "Aquaman" and "The Rum Diary," spoke candidly about the legal battle's impact on her personal and professional life.

The former couple's legal dispute began in 2016 when she accused Depp of domestic violence. The highly publicized trial unfolded over the following years, revealing a complex and tumultuous relationship that captivated media attention worldwide.

In her recent interview with Deadline, Heard expressed her desire to move past the trial and the subsequent fallout. She shared her challenges in Hollywood due to the highly publicized legal battle.

"You know, I just want to make movies and be appreciated as an actress," she said. "I don't want to be crucified to be appreciated as one."

The actress returned triumphantly to the spotlight as she attended the premiere of her latest film, "In the Fire," at the Taormina Film.

Dressed in an elegant black caped maxi dress, Heard walked the red carpet, exuding confidence and grace. The premiere served as a testament to her determination to pursue her passion for acting, despite the hardships she has endured in recent times.

"Thank you for such a hot reception at the Taormina Film Festival for my latest movie 'In the Fire,'" she wrote on Instagram on June 30. "It was an unforgettable weekend."

The movie sees Heard play the role of a doctor who travels to a remote location to treat a boy the local priest believes is possessed by the Devil.