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Jason Momoa, the larger-than-life actor known for his roles in Aquaman and Game of Thrones, is often celebrated for his charismatic and playful nature. However, it was during the filming of Aquaman (2018) that Momoa’s sense of humor led to a notable incident on set, where he pranked his co-worker Amber Heard in a way that garnered mixed reactions. This incident, which has since become part of the film’s behind-the-scenes lore, involved a prank on Heard, a bookworm who was deeply engrossed in her reading between takes. What happened next was both mischievous and controversial, leading to differing views from both the crew and the public.
The Prank: A Bookworm’s Nightmare
According to various accounts, including an interview on Good Morning America, Momoa’s prank involved him tearing out pages from one of Amber Heard’s books. Heard, who had a habit of reading between scenes, was in the middle of a particularly thick book—an 800-page novel—when Momoa decided to interrupt her reading in a playful (though somewhat disruptive) manner. He ripped out the final 10 pages of the book, specifically the last chapter, just as Heard was nearing the end.
For Heard, who was reportedly “crazy” about her book, this was a significant prank. As she was just 30 pages away from finishing, the loss of the final pages was a frustrating surprise. The incident, according to some sources, was a direct reflection of Momoa’s “allergy to being ignored,” as he sought to gain her attention while she was focused on her book. In the lighthearted chaos that followed, the crew reportedly responded by creating a green screen book bag for Heard to use, perhaps as a tongue-in-cheek response to Momoa’s prank. This gesture indicates that the prank, while playful, had an impact on the set dynamic.
Timing and Filming Context
The incident took place during the principal photography of Aquaman, which occurred from May 2017 to October 2017. While the exact date of the prank is not specified, it is likely to have occurred during this period, as it was revealed during promotional interviews in December 2018, suggesting it took place during the film’s production. Locations for the shoot included Australia and Sicily, but this specific prank has since become a notable part of the Aquaman filming anecdotes.
Reactions: A Divided Response
The public reaction to Momoa’s prank was mixed. Some media outlets, like Good Morning America, referred to it as “cruel,” and certain Twitter users even labeled Momoa as a “monster” for damaging Heard’s books. For fans of Heard and those sensitive to her reaction, this was seen as a disruptive act that crossed the line. However, other sources, like BroBible, characterized the prank as playful and consistent with Momoa’s fun-loving persona, framing it as harmless and indicative of his natural charisma.
The crew’s response by creating a green screen book bag suggests that the prank may have been perceived as more disruptive than initially thought. The fact that they provided a solution to the problem hints at the severity of the prank’s impact on the set, though it is unclear whether this intervention was a playful act or a serious effort to keep things running smoothly.
A Comparison with Other Incidents
This prank, while lighthearted in nature, contrasts sharply with other more serious rumors that have surfaced surrounding the Aquaman franchise. For instance, allegations from the production of Aquaman 2 (2021-2022) suggested that Momoa arrived intoxicated on set and even dressed as Johnny Depp, which led to some reports of tension with Amber Heard. These more serious allegations, however, were denied by a DC spokesperson and stand in stark contrast to the playful prank from the first Aquaman movie.
In terms of trolling incidents, no other significant occurrences from the Aquaman set have been reported, suggesting that this book-related prank stands as the most notable example of Momoa’s on-set humor.
Conclusion: A Mischievous Moment in a Playful Career
The incident where Jason Momoa trolled Amber Heard on the set of Aquaman is a classic example of his playful nature on set. While some saw it as harmless fun, others viewed it as a bit disruptive. Regardless of how it is perceived, this prank became one of the more talked-about moments from the production of Aquaman, adding to the many behind-the-scenes stories that fans continue to discuss.
While the prank may have been lighthearted, it also underscores the close relationship between the cast and crew on set and how humor can play a role in maintaining morale during a demanding production. Whether it’s remembered as a fun moment or a slightly awkward incident, it remains a piece of Aquaman’s legacy, further cementing Jason Momoa’s reputation as both a talented actor and an on-set prankster.