Johnny Depp Is Finally Heading Back To Movie Theaters
In one of his first major film roles since his very public legal battles with Amber Heard, Johnny Depp is set to make his return to the big screen this May for the film Jeanne Du Barry. Depp has one of the starring roles in the movie, playing the French King Louis XV. The film also stars Maiwenn as Jeanne Vaubernier and follows her story of becoming the lover of the king. Maiwenn also directs the film.
Johnny Depp In Jeanne du Barry
The film is coming to theaters via the collaboration of Fathom Events and distributor Vertical Entertainment. Speaking enthusiastically about the project, Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey said, “Jeanne du Barry was a sensation at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and we are thrilled to partner with Fathom Events for the nationwide theatrical release of Maiwenn’s stunning piece of cinematic art showcasing Johnny Depp’s return to the big screen”.
Limited Release In The United States
The film is having a more limited release in 500 theaters across the United States, however that could expand if the movie proves successful enough.
This will prove an interesting test of the public’s interest in Johnny Depp following his tumultuous defamation trial.
When his legal woes began, many in Hollywood were publicly denouncing Depp as being radioactive to associate with. However, sentiment did shift quite a bit following his ultimate victory.
Johnny Depp Canceled From Hollywood?
Johnny Depp was initially all but banished from the public eye after 2020 when he failed in his attempt to sue News Group Newspapers in the UK for libel over statements in an article where they classified him as a wife beater. In that trial, the High Court Justice believed there was enough evidence that News Group Newspapers could be found reasonable in believing what they wrote was true.
Fired From Fantastic Beasts
The aftermath was devastating for Johnny Depp’s career, with him losing his role as Grindelwald in what was the upcoming Harry Potter spinoff movie, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
Disney also announced soon after that while they would be making new Pirates of the Caribbean movies, that they would be going with a new protagonist, removing Depp from one of his most famous roles as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Johnny Depp Vs. Amber Heard
However, Johnny Depp remained firm in his belief of his innocence and brought additional evidence in a second trial aimed at Amber Heard directly.
Here, he fared much better, with a great deal of public sentiment being in support of Depp, and the jury ruling that Heard had maliciously defamed Depp with untrue statements in her accusations against him.
Following Depp seemingly clearing his name in this second trial, many have been keenly interested to see if Hollywood would now welcome him back.
High Praise
When Jeanne du Barry opened last year’s Cannes Film Festival, it concluded by receiving a seven-minute standing ovation. Explaining the choice to honor the movie by giving it the opening spot in the festival, Cannes Festival Director Thierry Frémaux called Johnny Depp’s work in the film “magnificent”.
While Johnny Depp is certainly not the only person attached to the movie, such a reception for his first movie back in the public eye does sound as if public favor has shifted for the star. It remains to be seen what the general audience reception is for his first role back in the public eye in years.
Jeanne du Barry releases on May 2, 2024.
Source: IndieWire
