Amber Heard has squashed the rumours that she might not be returning to her role of warrior Mera in Aquaman 2, saying she is "so excited" to film the new installment of the Warner Bros' sequel to James Wan's 2018 superhero hit.
Despite a Change.org petition calling Warner Bros to remove Heard from the sequel topping 1 million signatures, the 34-year-old actress told Entertainment Weekly: "I'm super excited about the amount of fan love and the amount of fan appreciation that Aquaman has acquired and that it has garnered so much excitement for Aquaman and Mera that it means we'll be coming back."
She added: "Paid rumors and paid campaigns on social media don't dictate [casting decisions] because they have no basis in reality. Only the fans actually made Aquaman and Aquaman 2 happen. I'm excited to get started next year."
Speculation over her involvement in Aquaman 2 was has been rife in recent weeks after details of her relationship with ex-husband Johnny Depp commanded headlines all over the world following a very public trial.
Depp sued The Sun newspaper over its claim the actor was abusive toward Heard during their whirlwind 15 month marriage. In January, an audio recording was introduced at the trial where Heard admitted "hitting" Depp, however a judge dismissed Depp's claim, ruling that the newspaper's allegation against Depp was "substantially true." Depp has maintained his innocence and said he plans to appeal the decision.
In the wake of the verdict, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor has stepped down from his role in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, after being asked to resign by Warner Bros. studio heads.
According to Heard, the sequel to the 2018 DC Extended Universe film - which also stars Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson - will start production next year, with CBR confirming it will arrive in theatres on Dec 16, 2022.
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