Zack Snyder Resurrects Amber Heard's Cancelled DC Character, "She Was Born for This Role"

Zack Snyder continues to embrace fan support for his version of DC.

When James Gunn and Peter Safran took charge of DC Studios, the plan was to reset everything with a unified creative strategy and a fresh continuity. Instead, the transition has drawn mixed reactions and revived affection for Zack Snyder’s earlier era, with Cavill–and now others–at its center.

In late 2022, Henry Cavill announced he would not return as Superman, just weeks after reports and studio comments suggested otherwise. His cameo in the Black Adam (2022) post-credits scene with Dwayne Johnson sparked major headlines and initially signaled his official comeback. Gunn later explained that the confusion stemmed from timing.

According to Gunn, “It’s terrible … the day our deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back … the plan was to come in and do a new Superman.” He added that Cavill responded with professionalism and only wanted to share the news with fans personally, rather than have the studio speak on his behalf.

Gunn emphasized Cavill was never “fired” and wasn’t part of the new vision. “For me, the right story and the filmmakers we have for that story—it isn’t Henry,” he said, pointing to the need for a younger lead.

That direction arrived with 2025’s Superman, starring David Corenswet, serving as the first major theatrical chapter after HBO’s Creature Commandos. Supergirl, led by House of the Dragon’s Milly Alcock, is expected in 2026.

But momentum behind Cavill hasn’t faded. Snyder recently posted a black-and-white image of Cavill as Superman captioned “Henry Cavill is Superman.” Fans immediately interpreted it as a subtle signal of hope, either for a return or a separate path existing outside the Gunn-Safran continuity.

Snyder then followed with another Instagram post shortly after joining the platform. The caption read: “Henry in his natural setting.” Responses like “the one and only” and “this is the Superman of our generation” reflected unwavering support for Cavill’s portrayal.

And now, another–more controversial–character has come back into the spotlight as Snyder has resurrected Amber Heard’s Mera.

Amber Heard’s DC Journey

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp were involved in a lengthy and highly publicized legal battle that began with allegations of domestic abuse during their marriage. Heard first made claims against Depp in 2016, leading to a restraining order and eventual divorce settlement.

In 2018, her op-ed in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse” led Depp to file a defamation lawsuit, claiming the article damaged his reputation and career, even though his name wasn’t mentioned directly.

The legal conflict escalated internationally. In 2020, Depp sued The Sun newspaper in the U.K. after it referred to him as a “wife beater.” Depp lost that case, and the ruling fueled negative publicity. Two years later, the U.S. defamation trial between Depp and Heard took place in Virginia, drawing intense global media attention.

Depp won the suit, with the jury awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages (later reduced). Heard was also awarded $2 million in her countersuit for one specific claim made by Depp’s legal team.

Although Warner Bros. never officially linked the outcome of the trial to casting decisions, reports circulated that the controversy contributed to Heard’s reduced role in 2023’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and her apparent removal from the franchise when Gunn and Safran took over.

She had testified that her screen time as Mera had been significantly reduced, while industry insiders claimed Warner Bros. was increasingly hesitant about the public fallout associated with the lawsuits. The franchise quietly shifted focus, and despite Heard remaining in the role, her presence in the DCEU was notably scaled back since the legal disputes.

Zack Snyder Resurrects Amber Heard’s Mera

Snyder has been digging through his old DCEU archives, and his latest Instagram share is turning heads: new black-and-white behind-the-scenes shots of Amber Heard as Mera and Henry Cavill as Superman.

Heard’s Mera appeared in Justice League (2017), Aquaman (2018), and returned in Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. In the “Snyder Cut” of Justice League, she even shows up in a dark “Knightmare” future alongside familiar faces like Batman, Deathstroke, Cyborg, Flash, and Joker.

One particularly striking image of Cavill is from Man of Steel, shared by Snyder when he hit a milestone on Instagram. It seems like Snyder is selectively choosing moments that resonate with longtime fans, and the nostalgia is loud.

While some might read deeper meanings into these posts, it is unlikely that this is any real roadmap to a Snyderverse revival. Still, with Warner Bros. Discovery’s future uncertain and whispers of corporate shakeups, Snyder’s photo drops carry extra weight for the community that still holds out hope.

The DCEU’s Downfall and Arrival of the DC Universe

The DCEU began with Snyder’s Man of Steel in 2013, a $670 million global success that introduced a more grounded take on the Superman character.

2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice delivered strong box office results but polarized critics. Justice League in 2017 became a significant pressure point after Snyder’s exit and the theatrical cut’s overhaul. His whole vision arrived much later with 2021’s Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max. However, the franchise had already splintered, leading Warner Bros. Discovery to reboot the universe under new leadership.

Superman (2025) earned approximately $616 million on a $225 million budget; however, audience reactions to the new DCU have varied. Frequent clarification of canon has been met with concern over continuity and direction.

As Gunn and Safran continue shaping the new DCU, the debate over Cavill’s legacy—and the future of the Snyderverse—remains strong. With Warner Bros. Discovery’s sale looming, the outcome could shape what DC becomes next.

What are your thoughts on the enduring passion for the Snyderverse? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!