Johnny Depp, the 61-year-old Hollywood icon whose name has been synonymous with both cinematic brilliance and personal turmoil, has once again captured the hearts of fans worldwide with a striking new look. Recent photos from the set of his upcoming thriller Day Drinker reveal a partially silver-haired Depp, a transformation that has left fans swooning and celebrating not just his appearance, but the renewed sense of joy and purpose he seems to exude. After years of legal battles, career setbacks, and public scrutiny, Depp’s latest appearance has sparked a wave of optimism among his loyal supporters, who see this as a sign that their beloved star is finally finding happiness again.

Depp’s journey over the past decade has been a rollercoaster, marked by high-profile controversies that threatened to overshadow his storied career. The actor, best known for his roles as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and Edward Scissorhands in Tim Burton’s 1990 classic, faced intense public scrutiny during his highly publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022. The trial, which stemmed from Heard’s 2018 op-ed about surviving domestic violence, exposed allegations of mutual abuse and painted a tumultuous picture of their relationship. Although Depp won the case, with a jury awarding him $10 million in damages, the ordeal took a toll on his career and personal life, leading to his departure from major franchises like Fantastic Beasts and a temporary retreat from the Hollywood spotlight.

But Depp has never been one to stay down for long. In the years since the trial, he has slowly but steadily worked to rebuild his career, taking on projects that reflect his passion for storytelling and his desire to move forward. His role in the 2023 French film Jeanne du Barry, where he played King Louis XV, marked a quiet return to acting, though the film received limited attention outside of Europe. More recently, Depp directed Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness, his first directorial effort in over two decades, which premiered in 2024. While these projects hinted at a comeback, it’s his latest role in Day Drinker that has truly reignited the fervor of his fanbase—and for good reason.

On May 5, 2025, photos surfaced of Depp on the set of Day Drinker, a thriller directed by Marc Webb and co-starring Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. The images, taken at a port near Barcelona, Spain, show Depp in character as a bohemian billionaire named Kelly, sporting a partially silver hairstyle that has been meticulously crafted by hairstylist Massimo Gattabrusi. According to reports, Gattabrusi dyed just the front of Depp’s brown hair silver to match a salt-and-pepper beard created by makeup artist Zoe Hay, resulting in a seamless and striking transformation. The look, which also includes piercing blue contact lenses, has been dubbed the “silver fox” aesthetic by fans, who have taken to social media to express their admiration.

“We are entering the Silver Fox era of Johnny Depp, and I am here for it,” one fan posted on X, echoing the sentiments of many who have been captivated by the actor’s new appearance. Another fan gushed, “Johnny Depp absolutely rocking the silver fox look during filming of Day Drinker! This movie is going to be amazing!” The excitement isn’t just about Depp’s looks, though. For many fans, seeing him on set, looking healthy and engaged, feels like a long-awaited sign that he’s reclaiming his joy after years of struggle.

Depp’s personal battles have been well-documented. Beyond the defamation trial, he has faced other challenges over the years, including arrests in the late 1980s and 1990s for incidents ranging from assault to property damage, as well as publicized struggles with substance abuse. His 2017 divorce from Heard marked a low point, with allegations of domestic violence on both sides dominating headlines. The fallout was severe: Depp was dropped from the Fantastic Beasts franchise in 2020 after losing a libel case in the U.K., and his once-thriving career seemed to stall. Yet, even during the darkest moments, Depp’s fans remained fiercely loyal, campaigning for his return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and celebrating his every step toward recovery.

That loyalty has been rewarded in recent months as Depp has shown signs of a genuine comeback. Day Drinker marks his first major Hollywood production since the 2022 trial, a significant milestone for an actor who has often quipped about his many “comebacks.” The film, set to release in 2026, tells the story of a private-yacht bartender (played by Madelyn Cline) who forms an unexpected bond with a mysterious guest (Depp), only to become entangled with a criminal figure portrayed by Penélope Cruz. The project reunites Depp with Cruz, a longtime collaborator with whom he has worked on films like Blow (2001) and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). Director Marc Webb has expressed excitement about the project, noting the “thrilling, ferocious story” and the “incredible cast” bringing it to life.

For fans, the real story isn’t just the film itself—it’s the transformation in Depp’s demeanor. Photos and videos from the set show him smiling, interacting warmly with the crew, and even playing guitar during downtime, a nod to his lifelong passion for music. Depp has a history of musical involvement, having performed with bands like The Hollywood Vampires and even collaborating with Ringo Starr and Pete Townsend on a charity song for Fatima Whitbread earlier this year. These glimpses of Depp at work—and at play—have given fans hope that he’s rediscovering the happiness that seemed to elude him during his legal battles.

“He looks so good with grey hair,” one fan commented on X, while another added, “This man ages like fine wine.” But beyond the aesthetics, fans are celebrating what they perceive as a deeper change. “Johnny Depp is looking gorgeous & healthy & being admired & adored around the world! It’s a joy he is back,” wrote a supporter on X last year, a sentiment that has only grown stronger with the release of the Day Drinker photos. Another fan noted, “He’s feeling & looking healthier. There’s a lot of good energy & he surrounds himself with a good group of people,” reflecting a broader narrative of Depp prioritizing his well-being.

This renewed positivity comes at a pivotal moment for Depp. Rumors have been swirling about a potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, with reports in April 2025 suggesting that Disney is “deep in talks” to bring him back as Captain Jack Sparrow for a sixth installment. While nothing has been confirmed, the possibility has further fueled fans’ excitement, offering hope that Depp’s career could return to its former heights. Additionally, Depp is set to portray Satan in Terry Gilliam’s upcoming biblical comedy Carnival: At the End of Days, a role that promises to showcase his penchant for eccentric characters.

For many, Depp’s journey is a testament to resilience. Despite the controversies, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to his craft, whether through acting, directing, or music. His ability to transform—both physically for roles like Kelly in Day Drinker and emotionally in his personal life—has endeared him to fans who see him as more than just a celebrity, but a symbol of perseverance. “Johnny has always been underestimated,” one fan wrote on X. “He’s not just an actor—he’s a survivor.”

As Depp continues to rebuild his career, his partially silver hair has become more than just a style choice—it’s a symbol of a new chapter. Fans are overjoyed to see him looking healthy, happy, and back in the spotlight, proving that even after the stormiest of seas, Captain Jack Sparrow can still find his way to calmer waters. With Day Drinker on the horizon and a slew of exciting projects in the works, Johnny Depp is not just making a comeback—he’s reminding the world why he’s been a beloved icon for decades.