The defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is now in its third week of proceedings, and naturally, everyone has an opinion on the matter. Aquaman star Jason Momoa, for example, appeared to show support for Depp a few days ago in a rather subtle way.

Fans were quick to notice that Momoa only began following Depp on Instagram once the defamation trial went into full swing. In their view, this was a clear indication that Momoa was on Depp's side of the dispute, but it is unknown whether Momoa actually intended to send that message across. Many people assumed he would be on Heard's side since he starred alongside her in DC's Aquaman back in 2018, but Momoa hasn't made any statements so far confirming his actual stance.

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Another theory circulating the internet is that Momoa only followed Depp on Instagram upon the advice of his PR team. Before the defamation trial began, he had only been following Heard, so perhaps following Depp was a way to imply his neutrality. Although Momoa has spoken out on controversial issues before, including the dispute between Justice League star Ray Fisher and Warner Bros., he generally isn't really one to insert himself into the affairs of others, especially when the situation is as sensitive as Depp and Heard's. That said, it's unlikely that he will reveal his true feelings on the case any time soon.

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Meanwhile, a petition to remove Heard from the Aquaman sequel has resurfaced, and it has gained overwhelming support in recent months. So far, it has garnered almost 2 million votes, and it continues to get new signatures every day. Such momentum comes after Heard announced that she will be reprising her role as Mera in Aquaman 2. Ever since then, fans have been pitching the names of other actresses who could replace her, such as Emilia Clarke or Sophie Turner, who are both Momoa's Game of Thrones co-stars.

At the end of the petition's description, the fundamental principle which drove Depp to pursue the lawsuit against Heard in the first place is restated: "Men can also be victims of domestic abuse, just like women." DC has yet to announce whether they have decided to cave into the fan pressures and drop her from the franchise entirely, but as it stands, Heard will still return for Aquaman 2.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is scheduled to arrive in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2023.

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Source: Jason Momoa/Instagram