Highlights
- Despite initial praise for their on-screen chemistry, Walter Hamada revealed that Amber Heard and Jason Momoa actually lacked natural chemistry, requiring significant effort in post-production to create a convincing relationship.
- Reports of discord emerged during the filming of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with Heard alleging Momoa wanted her fired and behaved unprofessionally on set. However, these claims were denied by DC representatives and insiders.
- While speculation about a romantic relationship between Heard and Momoa circulated, there was no credible evidence to support these claims. As of 2024, Momoa is in a public relationship with actress Adria Arjona.
Amber Heard and Jason Momoa’s relationship has been a subject of intense speculation and scrutiny since they first shared the screen in 2017’s Justice League.
Their portrayal of Mera and Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe thrust them into the spotlight, sparking discussions about their on-screen chemistry and fueling rumors of a potential off-screen romance.
On-Screen Partnership
The pair’s on-screen relationship began with Justice League and blossomed in 2018’s Aquaman.
Initially, their performances were praised for their chemistry, with many fans and critics alike noting the spark between Mera and Arthur Curry.
However, as time progressed and production on the sequel Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom commenced, reports of tension began to surface.
Walter Hamada, former president of DC Studios, made headlines during Amber Heard’s defamation trial against Johnny Depp when he addressed the pair’s on-screen dynamic.
Hamada stated, “They didn’t really have a lot of chemistry together,” adding that creating a convincing relationship often required “movie magic and editorial” efforts.
This revelation contradicted earlier perceptions and raised questions about the future of their on-screen partnership.
Behind-the-Scenes Tension
As production of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom progressed, reports of discord between Heard and Momoa began to circulate.
Court documents cited by Variety revealed Heard’s claims that “Jason said he wanted me fired.”
She also alleged that Momoa was “drunk — late on set” and was “dressing like Johnny [Depp].“
These allegations were swiftly countered by a DC spokesperson, who asserted,
“Jason Momoa conducted himself in a professional manner at all times on the set of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
An insider familiar with the production supported this statement, describing Momoa as hardworking and dismissing claims about him dressing like Depp.
Heard’s Role Reduction and Legal Battles
Amber Heard’s involvement in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom became a point of contention amidst her high-profile legal battles with ex-husband Johnny Depp.
The actress claimed she had to fight to maintain her role as Mera, testifying,
“I fought hard to stay in the movie. They didn’t want to include me in the film.“
The release of the sequel in December 2023 reignited discussions about Heard’s reduced screen time.
While some attributed this to her legal troubles, Hamada maintained that the sequel always intended to focus more on Aquaman and his male friend, with Heard’s role being secondary.
Dating Rumors and Personal Lives
Despite the reported tensions on set, or perhaps because of them, rumors began to circulate that Heard and Momoa might be more than just co-stars.
The speculation was fueled by their apparent on-screen chemistry in the first Aquaman film and public appearances where they seemed comfortable and close.
However, these rumors remained unsubstantiated. Throughout their professional relationship, both Heard and Momoa were involved in other high-profile relationships.
Momoa was married to Lisa Bonet until their separation in 2022, while Heard was embroiled in a tumultuous relationship and subsequent legal battles with Johnny Depp.
As of 2024, there is no credible evidence to suggest that Heard and Momoa were ever romantically involved.
In fact, Momoa has moved on to a new relationship with actress Adria Arjona, which he made public in May 2024.
The couple reportedly met while filming the 2021 movie Sweet Girl and have since been spotted together at various events.
Professional Aftermath
Despite the controversies surrounding their working relationship, both Heard and Momoa have continued their careers in Hollywood.
Heard’s involvement in the Aquaman franchise remains her most recent high-profile role, while Momoa has gone on to star in various projects, including The Fall Guy and the upcoming Minecraft Movie.
What began as a promising on-screen pairing evolved into a contentious professional relationship marred by allegations, legal battles, and unsubstantiated romantic rumors.
While their on-screen chemistry may have wavered, the intrigue surrounding their relationship has only intensified public interest in both actors.
As they move forward in their respective careers, the legacy of their tumultuous partnership in the Aquaman franchise remains a fascinating chapter in recent Hollywood history.
The speculation about a romantic involvement between Heard and Momoa, while captivating fans and tabloids, ultimately proved to be unfounded.
As both actors continue to navigate their careers, their time as co-stars in the Aquaman franchise will likely be remembered as much for the off-screen drama as for their on-screen performances.
Just So You Know
- Aquaman, created in 1941, has remained a significant DC Comics superhero for over 80 years, evolving across different comic book eras.
- He possesses superhuman strength, can breathe underwater, and communicates with sea creatures. His origin story often involves being the ruler of Atlantis.
- Aquaman was likely created by Mort Weisinger, who also created Superman and illustrated by Paul Norris.
