Not only do fans deliberate over character casting before production begins, but they continue to face swap no matter which actor scoops up the role.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the anticipated sequel to James Wan’s 2018 origin film, starring Jason Momoa as the rad, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry. Wan is back to helm the successor with reports stating that filming began this month. Actors Amber Heard and Patrick Wilson will also be returning for the sequel alongside Momoa, but fans have been campaigning for another actor to take on Heard's role as Mera.
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Emilia Clarke Concept Art as Mera
Creator jph_photoshop posted their concept art on Instagram, portraying the Game of Thrones actor as Mera. The Instagram user specializes in DC fan-casting, including Michael B. Jordan as Superman. Fan-casting has become very popular under the umbrella of pop culture creators, including artist Bosslogic who frequently posts concept art a day after casting announcements.
The artwork showing Clarke as Mera is an impressive bit of photoshop artistry, and the actor has no problem pulling off the red hair and scaled, green outfit. The creator has simply swapped Heard’s face with Clarke’s while keeping the former’s body, and the original photo has also been lightened.
This isn’t the first time that fan art has appeared of Clarke as Mera, as many fans think she would be a sound alternative. Fans have recently been recasting the role of Mera ever since allegations against Heard bubbled to the surface. Other actors who have been fan-cast in the role include Rebecca Ferguson, Deborah Ann Woll and Eleanor Tomlinson.
Mera’s Place in DC’s Future
Mera’s role in the future of the DCEU is currently uncertain, as is Aquaman’s. If all goes well at the box office for Aquaman 2, we can possibly expect to see a third installment by 2026 - if Wan keeps his four-year pattern.
Momoa’s Aquaman appeared in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, alongside Batman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg and The Flash, but the character is not expected to appear in the upcoming The Flash film.
Mera also had some scenes in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, including Bruce Wayne’s Knightmare sequence which was supposed to set up the director’s expanding Snyderverse. With Warner Bros. pulling the plug on Snyder’s vision for now, it leaves these characters bobbing in the ocean.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is scheduled to release on December 16, 2022.