After High-Profile Legal Battles, Depp’s Return Marks His First Big Studio Project Since 2018
Johnny Depp is poised for a Hollywood resurgence with his upcoming thriller Day Drinker, reuniting him with longtime friend and collaborator Penélope Cruz. Directed by Marc Webb and distributed by Lionsgate, this movie will be Depp’s first major studio film since his high-profile 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, marking a critical turning point in Depp’s career.
In Day Drinker, Depp plays a cruise ship bartender who crosses paths with a mysterious day drinker, played by Cruz, as they become entangled in a shadowy criminal network. The project has drawn significant attention as it represents Depp’s return to a high-profile, American-backed production, a level of exposure he hasn’t experienced since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
Depp and Cruz have shared the screen in multiple hit films, including Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017). In 2020, Cruz publicly supported Depp during his legal battles, emphasizing his kindness and talent, and describing him as “a great friend.” Her declaration of support strengthened their professional bond, which fans now eagerly anticipate seeing on screen once more.
Following his legal saga, Depp took time to refocus on his career, appearing in the French film Jeanne Du Barry and directing Modi, a film about the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, which premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival in September. Reflecting on his experiences, Depp drew parallels between himself and Modigliani, alluding to his turbulent journey and public scrutiny with humor and introspection.
Penélope Cruz, who recently celebrated the release of Ferrari at the Venice Film Festival, and Depp are now setting the stage for what may be a major milestone in both their careers. As Depp steps back into the limelight, Day Drinker promises to be a thrilling entry in his long-awaited comeback, underscored by the loyal camaraderie he shares with Cruz.
