As the sun rises over the picturesque coast of Barcelona, Spain, on May 20, 2025, the buzz around Hollywood’s latest production is palpable. Johnny Depp, the iconic actor known for his transformative roles and tumultuous personal life, has been spotted filming Day Drinker, a new action thriller directed by Marc Webb. Alongside him is rising star Madelyn Cline, fresh off her success in Outer Banks and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. The first glimpses of the duo on set aboard the vintage yacht Nero have ignited excitement, marking Depp’s highly anticipated return to mainstream Hollywood cinema. This article delves into the early stages of Day Drinker’s production, the dynamic cast, and what this project signifies for Depp’s career trajectory as of 09:57 AM +07 on Tuesday, May 2025.

A Return to the Spotlight

Johnny Depp’s career has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and trials. Once a box-office juggernaut with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, his path took a dramatic turn following his highly publicized defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, which concluded in 2022 with a favorable verdict for Depp. Since then, his on-screen presence has been limited to independent projects like Jeanne du Barry (2023), which opened the Cannes Film Festival, and Modi (2024), which he directed. Day Drinker represents his boldest step back into the Hollywood mainstream since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, signaling a potential renaissance for the 61-year-old actor.

Filming began in April 2025, with production moving to Spain after initial shoots in Tenerife. The first look images, captured recently near Barcelona, show Depp in a striking new guise—dyed gray hair and a beard, holding a drink with an intense expression. This transformation hints at a character far removed from his swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow days, aligning with the film’s narrative of a mysterious figure entangled in crime. Marc Webb, known for 500 Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. This is gonna be fun.” The production’s coastal setting and the involvement of a vintage yacht add a layer of cinematic allure, promising a visually stunning thriller.

The Cast: A Blend of Experience and New Talent

Day Drinker boasts a diverse and talented ensemble, with Depp joined by Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline as the lead actors. Cruz, a frequent collaborator with Depp—having starred alongside him in Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017)—plays a criminal figure whose presence complicates the plot. The chemistry between Depp and Cruz, honed over decades, is expected to be a highlight, bringing depth to their characters’ intertwined fates.

Madelyn Cline, at 27, brings a fresh energy to the film as the private-yacht bartender who crosses paths with Depp’s enigmatic guest. Known for her breakout role as Sarah Cameron in Netflix’s Outer Banks, Cline has quickly established herself as a versatile actress, with recent credits including Glass Onion and upcoming projects like the I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot and The Map That Leads to You. Her presence on set, captured in images as she arrives in casual attire, underscores her rising status in Hollywood. The cast is further enriched by Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle, adding international flair and supporting the film’s complex narrative.

The story centers on a bartender (Cline) who encounters a mysterious day drinker (Depp) aboard a private yacht. Their meeting spirals into a dangerous entanglement with a criminal underworld, led by Cruz’s character, revealing unexpected connections. This premise, penned by Zach Dean, promises twists and turns, leveraging the yacht setting for suspense and drama. The production team, including cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe and costume designer Penny Rose, is poised to deliver a visually arresting film, with Lionsgate eyeing a 2026 theatrical release.

Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort

The Day Drinker production is a collaborative effort involving Thunder Road Films and Depp’s company, Infinitum Nihil, with producers Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Adam Kolbrenner, and Zach Dean overseeing the project. Executive producers include a roster of industry veterans, ensuring a high-profile execution. The choice of Spain as a filming location, with its stunning coastal landscapes and the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife, enhances the film’s aesthetic, while the use of the vintage yacht Nero adds authenticity to the maritime thriller vibe.

Marc Webb’s direction is a key factor in this project’s potential success. Coming off Disney’s live-action Snow White, Webb brings his knack for blending emotional storytelling with dynamic visuals. His excitement about working with Depp, Cline, and Cruz suggests a harmonious set, despite the challenges of filming on water. The crew’s relocation to Barcelona after Tenerife indicates a meticulous approach, with production adapting to logistical demands while maintaining momentum.

Depp’s Transformation: A New Chapter

The first-look images of Depp have sparked widespread discussion. His gray hair and beard, paired with a navy blazer and intense gaze, present a mature, weathered character—a stark contrast to his youthful pirate persona. This transformation is more than cosmetic; it reflects Depp’s intent to reinvent himself post-controversy. During the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Depp dismissed the notion of a “comeback,” saying, “I didn’t go anywhere. Maybe people stopped calling out of whatever their fear was at the time.” Day Drinker seems to validate his stance, with Lionsgate and a strong cast signaling renewed industry confidence in him.

Depp’s recent projects, including Jeanne du Barry and Modi, have been well-received in arthouse circles, but Day Drinker’s backing by a major studio like Lionsgate marks a significant shift. The film’s action-thriller genre aligns with his earlier commercial successes, suggesting a strategic move to reclaim his blockbuster status. His collaboration with Cruz, a trusted ally, further bolsters this transition, offering a familiar yet fresh dynamic.

Cline’s Rising Star Power

Madelyn Cline’s involvement adds a contemporary edge to Day Drinker. Spotted arriving on set with a low-key demeanor, she contrasts with Depp’s dramatic transformation, highlighting the generational interplay in the cast. Her recent roles have showcased her range, from the adventurous Sarah Cameron to the cunning Whiskey in Glass Onion. Joining Depp and Cruz, Cline brings a youthful vigor that could appeal to a broader audience, bridging the gap between veteran stars and new talent.

Cline’s career trajectory is on an upward swing, with Outer Banks Season 5 in development and multiple film projects in the pipeline. Her casting in Day Drinker reflects Lionsgate’s strategy to pair established names with emerging actors, a tactic that has worked for franchises like John Wick. Her character’s role as the bartender who unwittingly triggers the plot’s escalation positions her as a central figure, potentially elevating her profile further upon the film’s release.

The Cultural Context: A Post-Controversy Narrative

The timing of Day Drinker’s production coincides with ongoing public fascination with Depp’s personal life. Posts found on X reflect a mix of excitement for his return and lingering debates about his past legal battles. Some view the film as a “parteaguas” (watershed moment) in his career, while others remain skeptical, citing his history. This polarized sentiment underscores the challenge Depp faces in redefining his image, a task Day Drinker may help address through its focus on storytelling rather than scandal.

Amber Heard, now living in Madrid, Spain, adds an ironic twist, as her proximity to the filming location fuels speculation about potential encounters—though no such interactions have been reported. Depp’s focus remains on the project, with his recent comments suggesting a desire to move forward rather than dwell on the past. Day Drinker thus serves as both a professional milestone and a personal statement, aligning with his narrative of resilience.

What to Expect: A Thriller with Heart

While plot details remain under wraps, the first-look images and synopsis suggest Day Drinker will blend action with psychological depth. The yacht setting offers a confined space for tension, reminiscent of films like Triangle or Speed 2: Cruise Control, but with Webb’s signature emotional resonance. The interplay between Depp’s mysterious guest, Cline’s bartender, and Cruz’s criminal figure promises a narrative rich with surprises, potentially exploring themes of identity and redemption—fitting for Depp’s current chapter.

The film’s 2026 release date positions it as a potential awards contender or commercial hit, depending on its reception. With a talented cast and a seasoned director, Day Drinker could mark a turning point for Depp, reestablishing him as a leading man while showcasing Cline’s growing prowess. The production’s international scope and high-profile backing further elevate its stakes, making it a project to watch.

Conclusion: A New Voyage Begins

The first look at Johnny Depp and Madelyn Cline filming Day Drinker in Barcelona signals the start of an exciting new chapter. For Depp, it’s a chance to reclaim his Hollywood throne, leveraging his past successes and current resilience. For Cline, it’s an opportunity to shine alongside legends, solidifying her status as a rising star. As production continues along Spain’s coast, the world waits to see how this thriller will unfold, blending action, intrigue, and the personal redemption of its leading man. On this crisp May morning, Day Drinker is not just a film—it’s a testament to the enduring power of cinema to rewrite narratives, one frame at a time.