Johnny Depp is set to make his return to the big screen in the indie film Jeanne du Barry, directed by French actress Maïwenn. The film tells the historical story of King Louis XV and his relationship with a commoner, Jeanne, who became his last mistress. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and is set to open in U.S. theaters on May 2. Depp’s last film role was in 2020’s Minamata, and his acting career has been on hold due to legal proceedings with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Throughout his career, Depp has been known for his roles in major franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantastic Beasts. However, in recent years, he has felt abandoned by Hollywood due to allegations surrounding his personal life. Depp expressed his frustrations with studio executives in a recent interview, calling them “disposable” and criticizing the huge budgets of mainstream films. He believes that audiences are looking for something new and different, and he wants to deliver that through his work as an actor.
During a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival, Depp addressed the idea of a “comeback” with Jeanne du Barry, stating that he never went anywhere and has been waiting for the right opportunity. He expressed disillusionment with Hollywood and the pressure to conform to expectations. Despite facing challenges in his personal and professional life, Depp remains grateful for the opportunities he has had in his career. He praised his experience working on Jeanne du Barry and expressed his admiration for director Maïwenn.
Depp’s comments come at a time when he is preparing for the release of Jeanne du Barry in the U.S. The film, distributed by Vertical Entertainment, is a departure from the mainstream projects that Depp is known for. While he acknowledges the challenges he has faced in recent years, Depp remains focused on delivering meaningful work to audiences and staying true to himself as an artist. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Depp is grateful for the support he has received and is looking forward to sharing his latest project with audiences.
