In the glitzy world of Hollywood, where on-screen chemistry can make or break a film, even the most talented actors can find themselves starstruck. For British actress Carey Mulligan, an Oscar-nominated star known for her roles in films like Pride & Prejudice and An Education, working with Hollywood icon Johnny Depp was a dream come true—and a nerve-wracking challenge. During a candid appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2011, Mulligan revealed a behind-the-scenes story from the set of the 2009 crime thriller Public Enemies that left audiences both amused and sympathetic. She confessed that she had to kiss Johnny Depp not once, but sixteen times for a scene—only for it to be cut from the final film because she looked “too uncomfortable.” This revelation, delivered with a mix of embarrassment and humor, shed light on the pressures of performing intimate scenes with a celebrity crush, offering a glimpse into the human side of filmmaking.
A Starstruck Moment in Public Enemies
Public Enemies, directed by Michael Mann, is a gritty depiction of the life of infamous bank robber John Dillinger, portrayed by Johnny Depp. The 2009 film boasted an impressive ensemble cast, including Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard, and featured Carey Mulligan in a supporting role as Carol Slayman, a prostitute who interacts with Dillinger. While Mulligan was already establishing herself as a rising star, having debuted in Pride & Prejudice in 2005, working alongside Depp—a Hollywood heartthrob and her self-confessed celebrity crush—was an entirely different experience.
During her appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Mulligan recounted the filming of a kissing scene with Depp that didn’t make it into the final cut. “I had to kiss him several times. It was 16 times, but it was cut out of the film because I looked so uncomfortable,” she said, laughing nervously. “I was kissing Johnny Depp, and I got really nervous.” The audience erupted in laughter, and the awkwardness was amplified by the fact that Depp himself was present on the show, sitting beside her. Mulligan’s candid admission highlighted a relatable truth: even seasoned actors can struggle to keep their composure when faced with their idols.
The scene in question was meant to showcase a moment of intimacy between Carol Slayman and John Dillinger, adding depth to Dillinger’s complex character. However, Mulligan’s visible discomfort—stemming from her admiration for Depp—made the takes unusable. “I grew up watching everything he’s ever done,” she explained, noting how her inner fangirl made it difficult to stay in character. The result? Sixteen takes of a kiss that never saw the light of day, leaving Mulligan with a memorable, if slightly mortifying, experience.
The Pressure of On-Screen Intimacy
Filming intimate scenes is notoriously challenging, even for the most experienced actors. The presence of cameras, crew members, and the need to repeat takes can strip away the romance, turning what appears glamorous on screen into a technical and sometimes awkward process. For Mulligan, the added layer of her admiration for Depp amplified the difficulty. As she put it, “It’s terrible,” referring to the struggle of hiding her inner fan while trying to perform professionally.
This wasn’t an isolated incident for Mulligan. She shared a similar sentiment about working with another Hollywood heavyweight, Leonardo DiCaprio, in The Great Gatsby (2013). “I grew up watching everything he’s ever done, and it’s difficult as I have to hide my inner fan when I am around him,” she said on the same Graham Norton episode. She even admitted to struggling during a dancing scene with DiCaprio, knowing full well from watching Titanic that he was a capable dancer, despite his claims otherwise. These anecdotes reveal a recurring theme in Mulligan’s early career: the challenge of balancing professionalism with the awe of working alongside her childhood idols.
Mulligan’s experience contrasts with those of other actresses who shared the screen with Depp. For instance, Marion Cotillard, who also starred in Public Enemies, described kissing Depp as a pleasant experience. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Cotillard praised Depp, saying, “Johnny Depp is a very, very nice guy. I was very nervous, but he was very protective of me, and if you really want to know, he is a very, very good kisser.” Similarly, Eva Mendes, who worked with Depp in Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), expressed regret that her kissing scene with him wasn’t longer. “All of my screen kisses were the best, though I regret not kissing Johnny Depp for longer,” Mendes told Us Weekly. These varied reactions underscore the subjective nature of on-screen chemistry and how personal dynamics can shape an actor’s performance.
Johnny Depp: The Charismatic Enigma
Johnny Depp’s status as a Hollywood icon is undeniable. Known for his transformative roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney Todd, Depp has a magnetic presence that captivates both audiences and co-stars. His ability to fully embody his characters, combined with his off-screen charm, has made him a favorite among actors and directors alike. However, this charisma can also be intimidating, as Mulligan’s story illustrates.
During the Graham Norton appearance, Depp responded to Mulligan’s confession with his characteristic humility and humor. While he didn’t directly address the kissing scene, his presence on the show added a layer of awkward hilarity to the moment. Depp’s reputation as a supportive co-star was echoed by Cotillard, who noted his protective nature on set, and even by Keira Knightley, who worked with him in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Knightley, who described kissing Depp as “fantastic,” had to beg for a kiss in Dead Man’s Chest (2006), highlighting the contrast between her enthusiasm and Mulligan’s nerves.
Interestingly, Depp himself has admitted to finding on-screen kisses awkward at times. In the case of his scene with Knightley, he noted the discomfort of filming an intimate moment with a younger co-star who was a minor at the time, emphasizing the professionalism required to navigate such situations. “It’s always awkward, so you kind of just make light of it,” Depp said, reflecting on the experience. This insight reveals that the challenges of filming intimate scenes are not one-sided; even a seasoned star like Depp can feel the pressure.
The Broader Context of Public Enemies
Public Enemies was a high-profile project, bringing together a stellar cast to tell the story of John Dillinger’s criminal exploits during the Great Depression. Directed by Michael Mann, known for his meticulous attention to detail, the film aimed to capture the intensity and charisma of Dillinger’s life. Depp’s portrayal of the infamous outlaw was widely praised, and the film’s ensemble cast, including Bale as FBI agent Melvin Purvis and Cotillard as Dillinger’s love interest Billie Frechette, added depth to the narrative.
Mulligan’s role, though smaller, was significant in showcasing her versatility as an actress. At the time, she was still early in her career, having gained recognition for her performance in An Education (2009), which earned her an Oscar nomination. Her work in Public Enemies demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside industry giants, even if her nerves got the better of her in certain scenes. The decision to cut the kissing scene was likely a practical one, as Mann prioritized authenticity and emotional resonance in the final edit. Mulligan’s visible discomfort would have disrupted the intended tone of the scene, making its removal a necessary choice.
Reflections on Stardom and Vulnerability
Mulligan’s story is a reminder that even the most accomplished actors are human, susceptible to the same insecurities and starstruck moments as anyone else. Her willingness to share this anecdote with humor and humility endeared her to audiences, showcasing her relatability despite her rising fame. Since Public Enemies, Mulligan has continued to build an impressive career, starring in critically acclaimed films like Drive (2011), Shame (2011), and Promising Young Woman (2020), the latter earning her another Oscar nomination.
Her experience also highlights the unique challenges of acting, where personal feelings must be set aside to create believable performances. For Mulligan, the pressure of kissing Johnny Depp was compounded by her admiration for him, a sentiment that many can relate to when faced with meeting someone they’ve long admired. Yet, her ability to laugh about the experience and move forward in her career speaks to her resilience and professionalism.
Conclusion
Carey Mulligan’s confession about kissing Johnny Depp 16 times for Public Enemies—only for the scene to be cut—remains one of the most charming and relatable anecdotes from her career. It’s a story that captures the magic and mayhem of Hollywood, where even the most talented actors can be undone by a celebrity crush. While the scene never made it to the big screen, Mulligan’s candid retelling on The Graham Norton Show gave fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities of filmmaking. As she continues to shine in her career, this moment serves as a humorous reminder that even stars get starstruck—and that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that end up on the cutting room floor.
