Johnny Depp is making his way back to major Hollywood productions with Day Drinker, a crime thriller directed by Marc Webb and co-starring Penélope Cruz. This marks Depp’s first significant studio film since his 2022 defamation trial involving Amber Heard. Day Drinker, which Lionsgate will handle for international sales, is expected to offer audiences a dark and gripping cinematic experience. Depp’s casting in this new project brings together a seasoned collaboration with Cruz, and industry experts are already taking notice.
Johnny Depp’s Return After Legal Battles and Indie Projects
Following a challenging period in his career, which included a widely publicized defamation trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, Depp’s role in Day Drinker signals his return to high-profile studio productions. In early 2022, the trial concluded with a jury decision mostly favoring Depp, leading to a settlement of $1 million USD paid by Heard. Depp has since focused on European-based film projects, including the French drama Jeanne du Barry, which was well-received in Cannes, and Modi, his directorial work that premiered recently at the Rome Film Festival.
Depp’s character in Day Drinker takes on an unusual and intense role. He portrays a bartender on a cruise ship who crosses paths with a mysterious individual and unwittingly becomes part of a dangerous underworld. With its suspenseful plot and unique premise, the film is already generating buzz in Hollywood and internationally.
Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed confidence in the film’s appeal, describing Day Drinker as a “highly commercial concept with wildly outrageous twists and turns,” set against a vivid backdrop brought to life by Webb’s direction and the dynamic pairing of Depp and Cruz.
The Team Behind Day Drinker
Day Drinker brings together an accomplished team of Hollywood talent. Marc Webb, known for his work on films like The Amazing Spider-Man series, directs this crime thriller. The production team includes seasoned names such as Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, both recognized for their contributions to the John Wick franchise. Additionally, Lionsgate is collaborating with 30WEST, an influential entertainment investment firm, on the project, underscoring the film’s anticipated production quality and market potential.
This project also reunites Depp and Cruz, longtime friends and co-stars, in what promises to be a captivating collaboration. Their shared screen history includes films such as Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express. Notably, during Depp’s legal battle with Heard, Cruz offered a court statement in his defense, demonstrating her continued support for him on both personal and professional fronts.
Lionsgate’s Investment in Day Drinker and Depp’s Hollywood Future
Lionsgate’s renewed collaboration with Depp reflects their confidence in his return to Hollywood. Their previous partnership on Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald saw Depp portraying Gellert Grindelwald in 2018, a role he later exited during the legal proceedings with Heard. With Day Drinker, Lionsgate is reaffirming its interest in Depp’s talent, describing the film’s appeal as both “unique” and “commercially promising.”
Industry insiders are keen to see whether Day Drinker will mark the beginning of Depp’s return to mainstream Hollywood roles, given his recent string of European-funded projects. The actor’s fans and supporters are also anticipating a new era for Depp in Hollywood, where he may again secure roles in large-scale productions. In the meantime, audiences can look forward to seeing him bring a new character to life in this suspense-filled film.
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