As the entertainment world eagerly anticipates the 2026 release of Day Drinker, a highly anticipated action thriller from Lionsgate, all eyes are on the electrifying chemistry between Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz, whose on-screen reunion promises to ignite the silver screen. Directed by Marc Webb, known for The Amazing Spider-Man and Disney’s upcoming Snow White, the film marks a significant milestone in Depp’s Hollywood comeback following his tumultuous legal battles with Amber Heard. Set against the stunning backdrop of Spain, Day Drinker blends a gripping narrative with the magnetic pull of two cinematic titans, whose past collaborations have set a high bar for this latest venture. The buzz surrounding their dynamic has already sparked widespread excitement, positioning the film as a potential blockbuster poised to redefine their legacies.
Filming for Day Drinker began on April 14, 2025, in Spain, with principal photography taking place on the island of Tenerife, including the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz. The project reunites Depp, 62, and Cruz, 51, for the fourth time, following their memorable turns together in Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017). This time, they are joined by Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline, who plays a private-yacht bartender whose life intertwines with Depp’s mysterious day drinker character. Cruz portrays a formidable criminal figure, adding a layer of intrigue as the trio becomes entangled in a criminal underbelly with unexpected connections. The cast is further enriched by Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle, promising a diverse and dynamic ensemble.
The storyline of Day Drinker centers on a bartender, portrayed by Cline, who encounters Depp’s enigmatic guest aboard a luxury yacht. Their initial interaction spirals into a web of crime orchestrated by Cruz’s character, revealing hidden ties that defy anticipation. This narrative framework, penned by Zach Dean, combines commercial appeal with audacious twists, as noted by Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, who described it as “a highly commercial concept with wildly outrageous turns.” The film’s production is backed by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, known for the John Wick franchise, alongside Adam Kolbrenner and Dean, ensuring a polished yet thrilling execution.
Depp’s return to a major studio project since Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018 is a focal point of the film’s hype. His career took a hit after the 2022 defamation trial with Heard, where he won $10 million in damages, yet faced a subsequent Hollywood boycott. Since then, he has starred in the French film Jeanne du Barry, which opened the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, and directed Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, premiered at San Sebastián in 2024. Day Drinker represents his bold step back into the American cinematic mainstream, with his portrayal of a weathered, graying figure holding a drink in the first-look image signaling a departure from his pirate persona, yet retaining his signature intensity.
Cruz, an Oscar winner for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), brings her own gravitas to the project. Her history with Depp, marked by on-screen romance and camaraderie, adds depth to their chemistry. Recent sightings of the duo at Madrid’s Museo Reina Sofía on June 14, 2025, during a break from filming, captured them sharing a smiling selfie in front of Picasso’s Guernica, a moment that fueled fan excitement. Cruz’s past defense of Depp during his trial, where she submitted declarations vouching for his kindness, underscores their off-screen bond, which translates seamlessly on camera. Their latest collaboration, filmed amid Spain’s scenic landscapes, has been described by Webb as “a thrilling, ferocious story to tell,” with the director expressing enthusiasm for the cast’s synergy.
The chemistry between Depp and Cruz is a cornerstone of Day Drinker’s appeal. Their previous films showcased a blend of passion and playfulness—Blow’s tragic love story, Pirates’s adventurous flirtation, and Murder’s subtle tension—setting a precedent for a dynamic that fans eagerly anticipate. On-set reports from Tenerife highlight their effortless rapport, with Cruz often seen coaching Depp through scenes, a testament to their mutual respect. Cline, in a recent interview, praised their “electric energy,” noting how their interactions elevate her performance as the bartender caught in their orbit. This trio’s interplay, enhanced by Webb’s direction, promises a reaction akin to a cinematic chemical explosion, blending suspense with emotional resonance.
Production details further amplify the film’s potential. The crew includes cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe, known for The Others, production designer Jan Roelfs of The Fifth Element, and costume designer Penny Rose, a Pirates alum, ensuring a visually stunning experience. The film’s score, yet to be detailed, is expected to complement the coastal setting and high-stakes drama. Lionsgate’s collaboration with 30WEST, also backing Power Ballad with Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, signals confidence in Day Drinker’s commercial viability, with international sales launched at the American Film Market in 2024.
Fan reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive. Posts on X celebrate the reunion, with comments like “Johnny and Penélope’s chemistry is unmatched—can’t wait for Day Drinker!” and “This is the comeback we needed!” The first-look photo, released on April 15, 2025, showing Depp in a navy vest with piercing blue eyes, has sparked discussions about his transformation, while Cruz’s criminal role adds intrigue. Some speculate the film could influence Depp’s Pirates prospects, with Bruckheimer’s recent openness to returning cast members adding fuel to the fire.
Critics, however, remain cautious. Some question whether Day Drinker can overcome Depp’s controversial past, citing his 2020 U.K. libel loss to The Sun, which labeled him a “wife-beater,” a ruling he appealed unsuccessfully. Others see the film as a calculated move to rehabilitate his image, especially as Heard resides in Madrid, potentially complicating the Spanish shoot. Yet, Webb’s statement—“This is gonna be fun”—and the cast’s enthusiasm suggest a focus on storytelling over scandal.
As of 09:57 AM +07 on June 18, 2025, filming continues in Spain, with a projected wrap by late summer. The 2026 release date positions Day Drinker as a holiday season contender, with early buzz suggesting a global box office haul. For Depp, it’s a chance to reclaim his throne; for Cruz, a chance to shine anew; and for audiences, a promise of a cinematic alchemy that could redefine action thrillers. The reaction to their on-screen magic is already building, promising a film where every frame crackles with their storied partnership.
