Johnny Depp, at 61, has once again captured the entertainment world’s attention with a dramatic transformation for his role in the upcoming Lionsgate thriller Day Drinker. As of May 22, 2025, the Hollywood icon, known for his chameleonic ability to inhabit diverse characters, has unveiled a striking new look that has left fans both stunned and intrigued. Sporting silver hair, a full grey beard, and piercing blue contact lenses, Depp appears almost unrecognizable, a far cry from the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow or the brooding Edward Scissorhands that defined his earlier career. But as he steps back into the spotlight with this major Hollywood project, a lingering question remains: can this role help fans move past the controversies that have shadowed his personal life, or will his dark past continue to overshadow his professional resurgence?
A Striking Transformation for a New Role
The first look at Depp in Day Drinker was released by Lionsgate in April 2025, revealing a sophisticated and elegant figure aboard a luxury yacht, dressed in a navy double-breasted suit with a French cuff button-down shirt. His character, described as a “mysterious onboard guest” named Kelly, is a calculated departure from the disheveled, quirky personas that have long defined his on-screen presence. The silver hair and beard, paired with blue contact lenses, have earned him the moniker “silver fox” among fans, with many noting how this polished appearance contrasts sharply with the paparazzi images of a more rugged Depp during his legal battles.
Directed by Marc Webb, Day Drinker follows the story of a private-yacht bartender, played by Madelyn Cline, who becomes entangled in a criminal underworld alongside Depp’s character and a notorious criminal figure portrayed by Penélope Cruz. The film marks Depp’s first major Hollywood studio project since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and it’s a significant step in his ongoing career comeback. Posts on X have highlighted the excitement around his transformation, with fans marveling at his ability to reinvent himself yet again. One user noted, “Johnny Depp is absolutely rocking the silver fox look during filming of Day Drinker! This movie is going to be amazing!” Another praised his immersive approach, stating, “This is what Johnny does best—he can totally transform his look and just immerse himself in the new character each time.”
Depp’s history of physical transformations for roles is well-documented. From the wild dreadlocks and kohl-lined eyes of Captain Sparrow to the pale, scarred visage of Edward Scissorhands, he has consistently used his appearance to enhance his performances. In Day Drinker, this reinvention seems deliberate, designed to distance himself from both his iconic roles and the public’s perception of him during his tumultuous personal struggles. Industry observers suggest that this calculated visual shift is an attempt to reframe how audiences see him, offering a fresh lens through which to view his acting without the baggage of his past controversies.
A Career Marred by Controversy
Depp’s personal life has been a lightning rod for controversy, particularly following his high-profile legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. The couple’s messy divorce in 2016, followed by mutual allegations of abuse, culminated in a widely publicized defamation trial in 2022. Heard had written an op-ed for the Washington Post in 2018, describing herself as a domestic abuse survivor without naming Depp directly. Depp sued her for defamation, claiming the article damaged his career, while Heard countersued. The Virginia trial, which was livestreamed and heavily scrutinized, exposed shocking claims of mutual physical and emotional abuse. Ultimately, the jury awarded Depp $10 million in damages (after reductions), finding Heard’s claims unproven, while Heard received $2 million for her counterclaim.
The trial’s fallout was significant. Depp was dropped from major projects, including his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts series, and his last major Hollywood role before Day Drinker was in 2018. Disney also distanced itself from him, casting doubt on his return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which had grossed over $4.5 billion globally across five films. Public sentiment was deeply divided, with some fans rallying behind Depp, believing he was unfairly maligned, while others felt his behavior during the marriage disqualified him from a full return to Hollywood’s good graces.
Beyond the legal battles, Depp’s appearance and lifestyle choices during this period drew criticism. Paparazzi photos often depicted him looking disheveled, fueling speculation about his health and well-being. Fans and tabloids alike commented on his crooked teeth and aging appearance, leading to rumors of cosmetic procedures. In April 2025, reports surfaced that Depp had embarked on a “complete personal makeover,” starting with dental work to address the trolling he faced online. Sources also claimed he intended to improve his skin, hair, and physique, with some speculating that his chiseled look in Day Drinker might owe something to “nip/tucks” rather than makeup alone. Whether or not these rumors are true, Depp’s transformation signals a clear intent to reclaim his image and career.
Day Drinker: A Make-or-Break Moment
Day Drinker is more than just another role for Depp—it’s a litmus test for his remaining star power and Hollywood’s willingness to embrace him again. The film reunites him with Penélope Cruz, a longtime collaborator with whom he has worked on films like Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017). Their chemistry, combined with the fresh talent of Madelyn Cline, known for her role in Netflix’s Outer Banks, has generated buzz about the project’s potential. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson has praised the film’s “highly commercial concept with wildly outrageous twists and turns,” suggesting confidence in its appeal.
The commercial stakes are high. Depp’s last major Hollywood film, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, grossed $654 million worldwide, but his role was supporting, and the franchise’s success didn’t hinge on his involvement. In contrast, Day Drinker positions him as a lead, testing whether his name can still drive ticket sales after nearly a decade away from mainstream releases. Industry analysts are divided, with some questioning whether audiences will separate Depp the actor from Depp the controversial figure, while others believe his transformative performance could win over skeptics.
Fans, for their part, seem eager to support his return. The viral reaction to his Day Drinker first look indicates a willingness to focus on his talent rather than his past. Comments on X reflect this sentiment, with one user declaring, “We are entering the Silver Fox era of Johnny Depp and I am here for it!” Another fan, noting the blue contact lenses, remarked, “He looks so different with blue eyes—I didn’t even recognize him at first.” This enthusiasm suggests that Depp’s core fanbase remains loyal, ready to embrace his comeback.
Can Fans Forget the Past?
The bigger question is whether Day Drinker can help Depp transcend his dark past in the eyes of the broader public. His legal victory in 2022 restored some credibility, but the trial left lingering scars. For every fan who sees him as a victim of false allegations, there’s another who believes the mutual abuse allegations taint his legacy. The entertainment industry, too, has been cautious. While Lionsgate’s backing of Day Drinker is a significant step, Depp’s return to the Pirates franchise remains uncertain, though recent reports suggest Disney is in “advanced talks” to bring him back for a sixth installment. If true, this could signal a broader acceptance within Hollywood, but only if audiences show up.
Depp’s career has always been defined by reinvention. His three Oscar nominations—for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Finding Neverland, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street—highlight his ability to balance commercial success with critical acclaim. However, Day Drinker is unlikely to be an awards contender, focusing instead on thrilling audiences with its action and intrigue. Its success will be measured in box office numbers and public perception, not golden statues.
A New Chapter for Johnny Depp
As production on Day Drinker continues in Spain, with a release speculated for 2026, Depp appears to be in a healthier place. Reports from the set describe him as “happy and healthy,” a stark contrast to the troubled figure of recent years. His recent work on a Dior ad campaign and smaller European projects like Jeanne du Barry, which premiered at Cannes in 2023, have also helped rebuild his confidence and public image. For many, seeing Depp thrive feels like a well-earned victory after years of turmoil.
Ultimately, whether fans can forget his dark past may depend on how convincingly Depp can separate his on-screen persona from his off-screen controversies. His transformation for Day Drinker is a promising start, offering a visual and emotional reset that invites audiences to see him anew. If the film succeeds commercially and critically, it could pave the way for a full Hollywood redemption, proving that Depp’s talent and charisma remain as potent as ever. For now, the world watches as Johnny Depp, at 61, steps into a new chapter—one that could finally put his past to rest and remind us why he became a Hollywood legend in the first place.
