Johnny Depp, one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic and beloved stars, has made headlines in 2025 with a surprising pivot away from the silver screen and toward the world of business. The 61-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, has reportedly invested in a major hotel, signaling a potential shift in focus as he seeks a quieter, more reclusive life after years of public drama. This move comes amid Depp’s ongoing career resurgence and personal transformation, raising questions about whether the Hollywood veteran is stepping away from acting to build a new legacy in hospitality and business.
A New Chapter in Hospitality
In early 2025, reports emerged that Depp had acquired a significant stake in a luxury hotel in the South of France, a region he has long been drawn to for its charm and privacy. The hotel, a historic 18th-century chateau turned boutique resort, boasts sprawling vineyards, opulent suites, and a reputation for exclusivity. Sources close to the actor suggest the investment aligns with his desire for a serene retreat where he can escape the relentless scrutiny of Hollywood. The property, valued at an estimated $25 million, is said to be a passion project for Depp, who plans to oversee its renovation and rebranding, infusing it with his eclectic, artistic flair.
Depp’s foray into the hotel industry isn’t entirely unexpected. He has a well-documented history of investing in unique real estate, from a private island in the Bahamas to a French village he once owned. His love for properties that offer seclusion and character has been a constant, as seen in his $19 million Hollywood Hills compound and his former penthouses in Los Angeles’ Eastern Columbia Building. However, this hotel venture marks a new direction, blending his penchant for luxury with a business-oriented mindset. “Johnny has always been drawn to places with history and soul,” a friend of the actor shared. “This hotel is his way of creating a sanctuary—not just for himself, but for others seeking peace.”
A Reclusive Turn After the Spotlight
Depp’s decision to invest in a hotel comes at a time when he appears to be distancing himself from the Hollywood spotlight. Since his high-profile defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022, which awarded him $10 million in damages, Depp has been on a journey of rebuilding his career and personal life. The trial, while a legal victory, exposed the toll of public scrutiny on his reputation and mental health. Following the verdict, Depp relocated to Europe, spending much of his time in London and France, where he has found solace away from the American media frenzy.
In 2023, reports indicated that Depp had settled into a quieter life in Somerset, England, purchasing a £13 million estate where he could “just be himself.” He expressed a preference for the British countryside, appreciating the lack of fanfare and the ability to visit local shops without being mobbed for selfies. This reclusive streak has only deepened in 2025, with Depp reportedly spending more time at his Bahamas retreat and now focusing on his French hotel project. “I’m quite a shy person,” Depp admitted in a rare interview. “I like places where I can see things, meet people, but not be overwhelmed.”
His comments echo a sentiment he shared at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where he dismissed the idea of a Hollywood “boycott” affecting him, stating, “I’m not thinking about them anyway.” This detachment from the industry that once defined him suggests Depp is seeking fulfillment beyond acting, perhaps through ventures like his hotel investment, which allow him to channel his creativity into a more private, controlled environment.
A Career in Transition
Depp’s shift toward business doesn’t mean he’s abandoned acting entirely. In 2025, he’s made a notable return to Hollywood with Day Drinker, a thriller marking his first major studio film since 2020. Directed by Marc Webb, the movie pairs Depp with Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline, and production began in Spain earlier this year. The role, which features Depp as a mysterious guest entangled in a criminal plot, has been hailed as a potential comeback, with fans eager to see him reclaim his place on the big screen. Additionally, Depp has two other films in the pipeline, including Terry Gilliam’s Carnival at the End of Days, where he’s slated to play Satan.
Yet, despite these projects, Depp’s focus seems to be shifting. His recent directorial effort, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, premiered in 2024, and while it didn’t make major waves, it showcased his interest in creative control behind the camera. Sources suggest that Depp is more interested in producing and directing than acting, roles that allow him to work on his terms without the public exposure of being a leading man. His hotel investment could be an extension of this desire for autonomy, giving him a tangible project where he can shape every detail, from the decor to the guest experience, without the pressures of Hollywood’s expectations.
Financial Motivations and Past Struggles
Depp’s business venture also comes in the wake of well-documented financial challenges. In 2016, he discovered that his $650 million fortune had vanished, leaving him $100 million in debt to the IRS. The fallout led to lawsuits against his former management team, whom he accused of mismanagement, while they countered that Depp’s extravagant spending—$30,000 a month on wine, a $22 million yacht, and millions on art and real estate—was to blame. By 2024, his net worth had stabilized at $150 million, bolstered by new projects and strategic sales of properties, such as his Los Angeles penthouses, which fetched $10.88 million in 2017.
The hotel investment might be a calculated move to diversify his income and secure his financial future. Real estate has always been a significant part of Depp’s portfolio, and a luxury hotel in a high-demand area like the South of France could provide a steady revenue stream. Moreover, it aligns with his lifestyle choices, offering a space where he can live and work on his terms. In 2023, he took out a $10 million mortgage on his West Hollywood castle, a property he purchased for $2.15 million in 1995, indicating a need for liquidity despite his wealth. The hotel venture could be a step toward financial stability, allowing Depp to leverage his brand and aesthetic vision in a new industry.
A Life Beyond the Drama
Depp’s desire for a reclusive life is also tied to his need to move beyond the drama that has defined much of his recent years. The 2022 trial with Amber Heard, while a legal win, brought damaging revelations about his personal struggles, including past substance abuse. Depp has since embraced a cleaner lifestyle, with friends noting in 2024 that he’s been living more healthily while in London. His transformation included cutting his long hair and adopting a more polished look, signaling a fresh start.
The ongoing saga with Heard has continued to make headlines, with her announcement of twins in May 2025 shifting some attention back to their shared history. Yet Depp has remained focused on his work and personal growth, choosing to engage with fans on his terms—like his heartwarming visit to a young fan’s birthday party in Ohio earlier this year. That gesture, where he surprised eight-year-old Emily Carter after receiving her letter, showed a softer side of Depp, one that contrasts with the tumultuous image painted during his legal battles.
A Legacy in the Making
As Depp invests in this major hotel, he’s crafting a legacy that extends beyond his filmography. The chateau, with its vineyards and historic charm, could become a destination for those seeking a taste of Depp’s world—a blend of luxury, art, and escapism. It’s a fitting project for an actor who has always been drawn to the unconventional, from his roles to his lifestyle. By focusing on business, Depp is taking control of his narrative, moving away from Hollywood’s gaze and toward a future where he can create on his own terms.
At 61, Depp is proving that reinvention is possible, even after years of drama and scrutiny. Whether he’s acting in Day Drinker, directing a new film, or welcoming guests to his French hotel, he’s charting a path that prioritizes his passions over public perception. For a star who once dominated the box office with Captain Jack Sparrow, this new chapter as a hotelier might just be the most unexpected—and fulfilling—role yet.
