Johnny Depp, the iconic actor whose career has seen both staggering highs and tumultuous lows, has once again captured the public’s attention with a rare and uplifting appearance in London. On the night of June 2, 2025, the 61-year-old Hollywood star was spotted emerging from a lively dinner at the upscale Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair, where he had been partying into the early hours with a close-knit group of friends. The sighting, which comes amidst Depp’s ongoing Hollywood comeback, has sparked a wave of excitement among fans, who were thrilled to see the actor in such high spirits following years of personal and professional challenges.
Depp’s night out in London marks a significant moment in his journey of renewal. The actor, who spent years as a pariah in Hollywood amid his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, has been steadily rebuilding his career and personal life since his victory in a 2022 defamation case against Heard. That trial, which saw Depp awarded $10 million in damages, was a turning point, allowing him to reclaim his place in the entertainment industry. Now, as he continues to work on new projects and reconnect with his creative roots, Depp’s latest appearance in London offers a glimpse into a man who is not only surviving but thriving.
The evening began around 8:00 PM on June 2, when Depp arrived at Claridge’s, a luxurious Mayfair establishment known for its Art Deco elegance and celebrity clientele. Dressed in a tailored black suit with his signature layered accessories—beaded bracelets, a scarf, and a fedora—Depp was almost unrecognizable with his recently adopted “silver fox” look, complete with gray hair and a neatly trimmed beard. Sources close to the actor noted that he was in town to continue editing his directorial feature Modi, a biopic about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, which he has been working on in London for the past year. The film, which stars Riccardo Scamarcio and is co-produced by Al Pacino, has been a passion project for Depp, allowing him to explore his talents behind the camera while staying out of the spotlight.
According to onlookers, Depp spent over five hours at Claridge’s, dining and laughing with a small group of friends that included several musicians and artists, a nod to his deep-rooted love for music and creativity. The group was seen sharing bottles of wine and plates of gourmet cuisine, with Depp reportedly in an animated mood, regaling his companions with stories and laughter. “He looked so happy, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders,” one restaurant patron told a local news outlet. “You could tell he was just enjoying the moment, surrounded by people who genuinely care about him.”
Depp’s bright spirits were evident as he emerged from Claridge’s just after 1:00 AM on June 3. Despite the late hour, he appeared energized, flashing a warm smile to the small crowd of fans and paparazzi who had gathered outside. The actor, who has often shied away from public attention in recent years, took a moment to wave and even signed a few autographs, a gesture that sent his fans into a frenzy. “Johnny Depp is back, and he looks better than ever!” one fan posted on X, sharing a grainy photo of the actor outside the hotel. Another wrote, “Seeing him so happy after everything he’s been through—it’s like a breath of fresh air. We love you, Johnny!”
This rare public sighting comes at a time when Depp is embracing a new chapter in his life. After the tumultuous years following his 2016 divorce from Amber Heard, which led to a series of lawsuits and allegations of abuse from both sides, Depp faced significant backlash in Hollywood. He was dropped from major franchises like Fantastic Beasts and saw his reputation tarnished by media scrutiny. However, his 2022 defamation trial victory marked a turning point, and since then, Depp has been focused on moving forward. In 2023, he premiered his French romantic drama Jeanne du Barry at the Cannes Film Festival, where he received a seven-minute standing ovation that moved him to tears. Although the film flopped at the box office, it signaled Depp’s return to acting, and his fans rallied behind him with unwavering support.
More recently, Depp has been channeling his energy into creative pursuits beyond acting. His work on Modi has allowed him to explore his passion for directing, a role he has taken on with enthusiasm. Sources close to the actor have noted that he is not retiring from acting, despite rumors to the contrary, but is instead prioritizing projects that align with his artistic vision. In addition to Modi, Depp has been busy filming Day Drinker, a Lionsgate thriller co-starring Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline, which began production in Spain in April 2025. His transformation for the role—gray hair, a beard, and striking blue contacts—has earned him the affectionate nickname “Silver Fox” among fans, who have praised his new look as a symbol of his evolution.
Depp’s night out in London also reflects a broader shift in his personal life. An insider who spoke to People magazine in May 2024 revealed that Depp was “in really good spirits” and “bears no animosity toward anybody,” a sentiment that appears to have carried into 2025. “He’s focused on moving forward,” the insider said at the time. “There’s a lot of good distractions, so there’s not that much time to be reminiscing on that darker period.” This positive outlook was evident during his time at Claridge’s, where he was surrounded by a supportive group of friends who have been instrumental in his journey of healing. “He’s taking advantage of being in this better headspace,” another source told People. “There’s a lot of good energy, and he surrounds himself with a good group of people.”
Depp’s love for London has been well-documented in recent years. The city has become a second home for the actor, who has been spotted there frequently since 2023. In April 2024, he attended the U.K. premiere of Jeanne du Barry at the Curzon Mayfair theater, where he impressed fans with his polished appearance and lighter demeanor. He has also been seen enjoying the city’s cultural offerings, from art galleries to music venues, often in the company of friends. His June 2025 night out at Claridge’s echoes a similar sighting in June 2024, when he was photographed emerging from Cipriani in Mayfair after a four-hour dinner with friends. That event, too, was marked by Depp’s bright spirits, signaling a consistent pattern of renewal and joy in his life.
The fan response to Depp’s latest appearance has been overwhelmingly positive, with many taking to social media to express their admiration for his resilience. “Johnny Depp deserves all the happiness in the world,” one fan wrote on X. “After everything he’s been through, seeing him smile like that—it’s everything.” Others have pointed out how his night out reflects his enduring love for music and camaraderie, traits that have defined his career since his early days as a musician. Before breaking into acting, Depp played in several amateur rock bands, including The Kids, and has continued to pursue music throughout his life, most notably with his band Hollywood Vampires, which includes rock legends Alice Cooper and Joe Perry.
As Depp continues to navigate his Hollywood comeback, his recent sighting in London serves as a reminder of his enduring appeal. Whether he’s directing a passion project like Modi, starring in a blockbuster like Day Drinker, or simply enjoying a night out with friends, Depp remains a cultural icon whose journey resonates with millions. His ability to rise above adversity, coupled with his genuine warmth and creativity, has solidified his place in the hearts of fans worldwide. As one observer put it, “Johnny Depp isn’t just back—he’s better than ever, and we’re here for it.”
