The name Amber Heard has gotten quite a bit of attention in recent weeks. Unfortunately for Amber Heard, however, it is not for any positive reason. The current defamation trial between her and her ex-husband Johnny Depp has left Heard in a less than ideal standing in the public eye as an overwhelming majority has sided with Depp. 

This public distaste for Heard has led to many things, including an online petition with over 4.3 million signatures to have her removed completely from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and any future franchise within the DC Cinematic Universe. This petition, along with many others on social media, wants Waner Bros to replace Heard with someone else like Blake Lively. 

It seems like the public’s court of opinion has had some serious weight to it, as it has now been reported that Heard’s role will be seriously reduced in the upcoming movie. Don’t just take a reporter’s word for it though, Heard herself testified in court that her role was ‘pared down’ because of a ‘Smear Campaign’ being run by Johnny Depp and his team. Heard also testified Warner Bros released her from her counteract, leaving her future in the franchise up in the air. 

The defamation trial between Depp and Heard is in its final week and it is expected that the result of this trial will likely have an effect on both parties’ careers depending on the outcome. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to be released on March 17, 2023, and it seems that everyone will have to wait and see just how small Heard’s role in the movie actually is.