Justice League: First Look at Amber Heard as Mera

DC’s surreal superhero cinematic collaboration Justice League is obviously touting an awesome array of comic book A-listers such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash – and yes, Cyborg and Aquaman. However, when it comes to the latter hero, the battling big-screen bonanza will also provide the debut of a powerful peer spouse and Queen of Atlantis in Mera, played by Amber Heard. Now, the very first look at the actress all decked out in her maritime digs has been revealed!

Indeed, Warner Bros./DC Entertainment unveiled, by way of IGN, an interesting group of images of the underwater royal spouse of Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry/Aquaman in Amber Heard’s Mera, showcasing her signature scaly sartorial aesthetics. Of course, this unveiling of a supporting player is a crucial bit of news, not just for Justice League, but for the 2018 Aquaman solo movie in which Heard’s Mera is also set to appear.

Another, more action-oriented look at Mera was provided with a concept art image, along with a short sketch reel that shows designer Michael Wilkinson’s process in translating his vision into the film.

Justice League is set to coral the heroes of DC Comics’ burgeoning cinematic universe (in the case of Superman, back from the dead,) when the film hits theaters on November 17, 2017.

Our story below as it appared on 3/18/16:

UPDATED!

To nobody’s surprise, Amber Heard is indeed playing Queen Mera in the Justice League movie. She even spoke a little about her costume, saying “It’s interesting. It’s like, half suit of armor, half scales,” Heard told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s strange… We’re in the process of building it now, so it’s coming along.”

You may or may not be able to spot some Mera concept art in the background of this Justice League movie behind-the-scenes image, too.

Our original story from January 13 follows…

It appears that Warner Bros.’ DC Comics cinematic universe is on the verge of casting a critical character. As Jason Momoa’s big-screen reinvention of Aquaman sets off from the seas in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on March 25, the studio is considering actress Amber Heard to play the Queen of Atlantis, Mera.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Heard is “in negotiations” to nab the critical co-starring role opposite Momoa’s eponymous maritime hero in the character’s 2018 Aquaman solo spinoff film. However, should Heard firmly procure the role, her character of Mera will reportedly make her first onscreen appearance in 2017’s costumed hero collaboration, Justice League Part One. Thus, there is clearly more on the table for Heard than a simple saltwater wife.

In the pages of DC Comics, Mera, who debuted in 1963, is traditionally depicted as the wife of Aquaman, a.k.a. Arthur Curry. Ruling by his side as the royal couple of the undersea Atlantis, Mera essentially possesses the same amphibious super-powers as her trident-tugging hubby such as superhuman strength, durability, sans the telepathic connection with sea creatures. However, she also brings other things to the table, notably the power of hydrokinesis, giving her direct control over the element of water with deadly results.

For Heard, who married Johnny Depp last year, this role could be a star-making vehicle for the perennially on-the-cusp actress, seen in a diverse range of recent films such as Magic Mike XXL, The Danish Girl and Machete Kills. The timing would also certainly be fortuitous, since Justice League Part One begins shooting this April. Thus, she could go from “negotiations” to being on set in as soon as three months. Her co-starring role in the Aquaman solo film could also be a definitive moment for Saw series director James Wan, who takes the helm after coming off the monumental 2015 success of his work behind the camera on Furious 7.

Justice League Part One is set to hit theaters on November 17, 2017. However, Aquaman will be treading water, waiting for his big moment nearly a year later on July 27, 2018.