After a prolonged absence from the Hollywood spotlight, Johnny Depp is staging a remarkable comeback with his latest project, Day Drinker. The 61-year-old actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, has been away from major studio productions due to the fallout from his highly publicized legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard. However, his involvement in the upcoming thriller Day Drinker marks a significant step in his return to the heart of the American film industry, signaling a new chapter in his storied career.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
Johnny Depp’s hiatus from Hollywood began following a series of legal disputes, most notably his defamation trial against Amber Heard in 2022. The trial, which stemmed from Heard’s allegations of abuse, saw Depp emerge victorious, but it also led to his temporary sidelining from major projects. Disney dropped him from future Pirates of the Caribbean films, and Warner Bros. recast his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts series. In 2023, at the Cannes Film Festival, Depp expressed disillusionment with Hollywood, stating he had no desire to return to the industry that he felt had ostracized him. His subsequent work, including the French film Jeanne du Barry and his directorial debut Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness in 2024, kept him active but outside the Hollywood mainstream.
The announcement of Day Drinker, however, signals a shift. Directed by Marc Webb, known for 500 Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man, the film is being produced by Lionsgate and represents Depp’s first major Hollywood studio project since the controversies. Filming began in April 2025, with the crew setting up in Spain, including Tenerife and later Madrid. This return has been met with enthusiasm from fans and industry observers, who see it as a chance for Depp to reclaim his place among Hollywood’s elite.
The Plot and Cast
Day Drinker promises to showcase Depp’s versatility in a gripping thriller narrative. In the film, he plays a mysterious guest aboard a luxurious yacht, whose life intersects with a bartender dealing with personal grief, portrayed by Madelyn Cline. The plot thickens as the two become entangled with a criminal figure, played by Penélope Cruz, marking the fourth collaboration between Depp and the Spanish actress. Their previous joint projects, including Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017), have been well-received, adding anticipation to this reunion.
The ensemble cast also includes Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle, bringing a diverse range of talents to the screen. Depp’s character, described as a bohemian billionaire, features a striking transformation with silver hair, a graying beard, and blue contact lenses, a look crafted by makeup artist Zoe Hay and hairstylist Massimo Gattabrusi. This makeover has drawn comparisons to his past roles and has fans excited to see him in a new light.
Filming and Public Reception
Production on Day Drinker kicked off in Tenerife in early April, leveraging the island’s scenic beauty and tax incentives that have made it a hotspot for Hollywood shoots. The crew later moved to Madrid, where filming continued into May 2025. The first images of Depp on set, released by Lionsgate on April 14, 2025, sparked widespread buzz, with fans noting his unrecognizable appearance and praising his dedication to the role. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewing this as a vindication of Depp’s talent after years of adversity.
Depp’s time in Tenerife also included a memorable off-screen moment when he surprised diners at a local restaurant, further endearing him to the public. His interactions, marked by humility and charm, echoed his past acts of kindness, such as tipping a delivery driver $500 in Los Angeles just days earlier on May 14, 2025. These gestures have softened his public image, reinforcing his reputation as a generous star despite his challenges.
A Career at a Crossroads
At 61, Depp is at a pivotal point in his career. His legal victories and recent projects have paved the way for this Hollywood return, but financial and personal pressures remain. Reports of losses from his French village estate and mounting debt add complexity to his narrative, yet his resilience shines through. The Day Drinker project, coupled with rumors of Disney’s interest in bringing him back as Jack Sparrow for a sixth Pirates installment in 2026, suggests a potential resurgence.
For now, Day Drinker stands as a testament to Depp’s enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences. As filming progresses, the industry and fans alike are watching closely, hopeful that this thriller will mark the beginning of a successful new era for the beloved actor. With a talented cast, a seasoned director, and Depp’s unmistakable charisma, the film is poised to be a significant milestone in his journey back to Hollywood stardom.
