Johnny Depp, the Hollywood icon known for his transformative roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, is making a significant return to the big screen with his latest project, Day Drinker. Announced in late 2024 and currently in production as of May 2025, this action thriller has already generated buzz as Depp’s first major studio film since his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. Directed by Marc Webb and co-starring Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline, Day Drinker promises to be a thrilling addition to Depp’s eclectic filmography. Here’s everything we know so far about the film, from its plot and cast to its production details and what it means for Depp’s career.

The announcement of Day Drinker came on October 29, 2024, when Lionsgate revealed that Depp and Cruz would be reteaming for their fourth collaboration, following their work together in Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017). The news marked a pivotal moment for Depp, who has faced significant challenges in Hollywood since his 2022 defamation trial against Heard, which, while a legal victory for him with a $10.35 million award, led to a period of professional uncertainty. His last major studio role before this was in 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, after which he was asked to resign from the franchise following a 2020 UK libel case ruling. Since then, Depp has worked on smaller, European-backed projects like Jeanne du Barry (2023) and Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness (2024), the latter of which he directed and premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Day Drinker is an action thriller written by Zach Dean, known for scripts like The Tomorrow War and The Gorge. The film’s plot centers on a private-yacht bartender, played by Madelyn Cline, who encounters a mysterious onboard guest portrayed by Depp. Their chance meeting soon spirals into a dangerous entanglement with a criminal figure, played by Cruz, as the characters discover unexpected connections between them. The story is described as a blend of “love, friendship, and revenge,” set against the stunning coastal backdrops of France, Portugal, and Spain. Lionsgate has teased that the film will feature “wildly outrageous twists and turns,” promising a high-stakes narrative that combines commercial appeal with character-driven drama.

Production for Day Drinker officially began on April 14, 2025, in Spain, with filming locations including Tenerife in the Canary Islands, notably the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz. The choice of Spain as a filming location aligns with the film’s coastal setting, offering a visually spectacular backdrop for the story’s unfolding drama. Director Marc Webb, known for 500 Days of Summer and the upcoming live-action Snow White, expressed his excitement about the project in a statement to Variety: “I’m excited to be starting production with Johnny, Madelyn, Penélope, and this incredible cast. We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. This is gonna be fun.” Webb’s involvement brings a pedigree of blending commercial appeal with emotional depth, suggesting that Day Drinker will be more than just a typical action flick.

The cast of Day Drinker is a mix of established stars and rising talents. Alongside Depp, Cruz, and Cline, the film features Manu Ríos and Arón Piper, both known for their roles in Netflix’s Elite, as well as Juan Diego Botto and Anika Boyle, the latter making her feature film debut after starring in the West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Cline, recognized for her breakout roles in Outer Banks and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, joined the cast in February 2025, replacing earlier rumors that Sydney Sweeney might take the role. Depp’s character, described as a “mysterious day drinker,” has already generated intrigue, especially after Lionsgate released a first-look image on April 14, 2025, showing him with gray hair, a bushy gray beard, and blue contacts—a stark transformation from his usual look. Fans on social media platforms like X have dubbed this his “silver fox” appearance, with one user noting, “Johnny Depp absolutely rocking the silver fox look during filming of Day Drinker! This movie is going to be amazing!”

The production team behind Day Drinker is equally impressive. The film is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, known for their work on the John Wick franchise, alongside Adam Kolbrenner, whose credits include The Tomorrow War and Free Guy, and Zach Dean, who also wrote the original screenplay. Depp’s company, IN.2, is also involved in production, with 30WEST executive producing. Lionsgate is presenting the film in association with 30WEST, marking their second recent collaboration after the music-themed comedy Power Ballad, starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. The production crew includes director of photography Javier Aguirresarobe, production designer Jan Roelfs, editor Doc Crotzer, costume designer Penny Rose, and casting directors Hannah Ashby Ward and Alejandro Gil, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience.

For Depp, Day Drinker represents a significant step in his Hollywood comeback. After years of being sidelined by the industry—partly due to the fallout from his legal battles, which included a 2020 UK libel case loss and his subsequent exit from the Fantastic Beasts franchise—Depp has expressed mixed feelings about his absence from major studio projects. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, while promoting Jeanne du Barry, he remarked, “Did I feel boycotted by Hollywood? You’d have to not have a pulse to feel like, ‘No. None of this is happening.’ I keep wondering about the word comeback because I didn’t go anywhere.” His comments reflect a resilience that has defined much of his career, and Day Drinker offers a chance to reassert his place in the industry with a role that seems tailor-made for his ability to portray complex, enigmatic characters.

Cruz’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue to the project. As a longtime friend and collaborator, she has been one of Depp’s most vocal supporters, describing him in a 2020 court declaration as “one of the most generous people I know.” Her role as a criminal figure in Day Drinker promises to bring a dynamic energy to the film, especially given her recent performances in projects like Michael Mann’s Ferrari and her upcoming role in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!. The chemistry between Depp and Cruz, honed over years of working together, is expected to be a highlight, with their past collaborations often noted for their on-screen rapport.

While Day Drinker does not yet have an official release date, some sources suggest a theatrical release in 2026, given the timeline of production and post-production for a film of this scale. Lionsgate has positioned the film as a major commercial play, with Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, stating, “Day Drinker combines a highly commercial concept with wildly outrageous twists and turns all set in an incredible world, and there is no better filmmaker than Marc or two more perfectly cast actors than Johnny and Penélope to bring that world to life.” The studio’s confidence in the project, coupled with its high-profile cast and crew, suggests that Day Drinker could be a significant box-office draw, potentially marking a triumphant return for Depp.

The film’s production also comes at a time when Depp has been gradually rebuilding his career. In addition to Jeanne du Barry and Modi, he has been touring with his band, Hollywood Vampires, and exploring other creative projects, such as a potential cameo in a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. Posts on X reflect a mix of excitement and cautious optimism among fans, with some noting that while Depp’s talent has never been in question, his ability to regain the industry’s full embrace remains uncertain. Day Drinker may not be an awards contender, but it represents a crucial step in Depp’s journey, offering a chance to reconnect with audiences through a genre that plays to his strengths—mystery, action, and emotional depth.

As Day Drinker continues filming in Spain, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a thrilling addition to Depp’s storied career. With a talented cast, a seasoned director, and a story that blends crime, drama, and unexpected twists, the film has all the ingredients for a compelling cinematic experience. For Depp, it’s an opportunity to remind the world of his enduring star power, proving that even after years of challenges, he remains a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.