Johnny Depp is making a surprising return to Hollywood after years of legal battles with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, which had significantly impacted his career.
Lionsgate shared a new photo of Depp on Monday from his upcoming film Day Drinker. Known for his signature dark hair, often associated with his “Pirates of the Caribbean” character, Jack Sparrow, Depp, 61, now appears with a grizzled, graying beard and his hair tied back in a bun, showing a transformation in his look.
The film, directed by Marc Webb, best known for 500 Days of Summer, has officially started production. Depp stars alongside actress Penélope Cruz, with whom he has previously collaborated on three films, including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Actress Madelyn Cline, known for her role in Netflix’s Outer Banks, also stars in the film.
Day Drinker tells the story of a private-yacht bartender, played by Cline, who meets a mysterious guest, portrayed by Depp. The two become involved with a “criminal figure” played by Cruz.
Depp’s return to films follows his appearance in Jeanne du Barry last year, where he portrayed King Louis XV in a French-language film that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. This return to the spotlight came after Depp’s high-profile defamation case against Amber Heard in 2022. Although the civil jury awarded Depp $10 million and Heard $2 million, the trial revealed disturbing allegations of mutual abuse.
In addition to acting, Depp made his directorial comeback in January with the independent film Modi, marking his first significant return to the industry in recent years.
Depp’s career, which began with the popular ’80s TV series 21 Jump Street, led to three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, though he has yet to win. His role in the Pirates franchise remains one of his most iconic.
