On May 13, 2025, Hollywood icon Johnny Depp brought an unexpected wave of excitement to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife, where he has been filming his latest project, Day Drinker. The 61-year-old actor, celebrated for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, surprised diners and staff at a local restaurant, showcasing his down-to-earth charm amidst a busy filming schedule. This heartwarming moment, set against the backdrop of Tenerife’s growing reputation as a Hollywood filming hub, has reignited public admiration for Depp, who is navigating a career resurgence following years of personal and professional challenges.

Tenerife: A Hollywood Haven

Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands, has increasingly become a sought-after destination for major film productions, thanks to its diverse landscapes, favorable climate, and attractive tax incentives for audiovisual companies. Films like Eternals (2021), Rambo: Last Blood (2019), and Jason Bourne (2016) have utilized the islands’ dramatic scenery, drawing stars such as Angelina Jolie, Sylvester Stallone, and Matt Damon. In 2025 alone, Tenerife has hosted several high-profile projects, but Depp’s presence has generated particular buzz, given his global fame and recent return to the spotlight.

Depp arrived in Tenerife in early April to begin filming Day Drinker, a thriller directed by Marc Webb, known for 500 Days of Summer. The film, which also stars Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline, follows a mysterious guest (played by Depp) aboard a private yacht who becomes entangled with a criminal figure (Cruz) and forms an unexpected bond with a grieving bartender (Cline). Production on the island continued through the end of April, with the crew later moving to mainland Spain, primarily Madrid, for additional filming. Depp’s time in Tenerife, however, left a lasting impression, particularly after his impromptu visit to a local restaurant.

A Surprise Visit to Duke Restaurant

Amidst the discreet filming schedule, Depp made a memorable appearance at Duke Restaurant, one of Santa Cruz’s most exclusive dining spots, known for its haute cuisine and elegant decor that blends cultural styles. On the evening of May 12, 2025, the actor, dressed casually but still exuding his signature bohemian flair, walked into the restaurant as a regular patron, catching both staff and diners off guard. Lolo Crusellas, the restaurant’s manager, described the moment as “surreal,” noting that Depp’s presence created a buzz of excitement among everyone present.

Crusellas later shared a photo on social media, capturing Depp posing with the restaurant team. His caption read, “With the great pirate Jack Sparrow. Johnny Depp, excellent actor and good person,” a nod to Depp’s iconic Pirates role and a testament to the actor’s warm demeanor. Diners at the restaurant were equally thrilled, with some taking to social media to express their delight. “I couldn’t believe it was him,” one patron wrote on X. “He was so kind, taking time to chat with us and even posing for pictures. It made my night!” Another diner remarked, “Johnny Depp in Tenerife? Dining right next to us? Best surprise ever!”

Depp reportedly enjoyed a meal featuring local Canarian specialties, immersing himself in the island’s culinary culture. Duke Restaurant, with its reputation for blending traditional flavors with modern techniques, seemed a fitting choice for the actor, who has often spoken of his love for experiencing new cultures. The evening was marked by a “pleasant atmosphere,” as Crusellas noted, with Depp’s unassuming nature winning over everyone in the room.

Depp’s Career Resurgence

This charming interaction comes at a pivotal moment in Depp’s career. After a tumultuous period marked by his highly publicized 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp has been steadily rebuilding his Hollywood presence. The trial, which awarded him $10 million (later settled for $1 million, which he donated to charity), exposed personal struggles, including allegations of abuse and substance issues, and led to his temporary sidelining from major studio projects. Disney dropped him from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and Warner Bros. recast his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts series, decisions that sparked significant fan backlash.

However, Depp’s career has seen a gradual revival. In 2023, he starred as King Louis XV in the French historical drama Jeanne du Barry, which premiered at Cannes and marked his return to acting. He followed this with his directorial effort Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, a biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani, which debuted at the San Sebastián Film Festival in September 2024. Day Drinker represents his first major Hollywood production since the trial, reuniting him with Penélope Cruz, with whom he has collaborated on films like Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017).

For Day Drinker, Depp underwent a striking transformation, sporting silver hair, a graying beard, and blue contact lenses to embody his character, a mysterious billionaire named Kelly. Fans have dubbed this his “silver fox era,” with many praising his ability to reinvent himself for each role. The first stills of Depp in character, released by Lionsgate in April 2025, drew comparisons to his past roles like Grindelwald, with some noting his resemblance to Jonathan Goldsmith’s “Most Interesting Man in the World” from Dos Equis commercials. The transformation, crafted by makeup artist Zoe Hay and hairstylist Massimo Gattabrusi, underscores Depp’s chameleon-like versatility, a trait that has defined his career.

A Pattern of Kindness

Depp’s interaction with diners in Tenerife aligns with a pattern of kindness that has emerged in recent years, softening his public image after the controversies of the past. Just days before, on May 14, 2025, Depp made headlines for tipping a Los Angeles delivery driver $500 after witnessing the driver being denied a tip by a rude customer. Earlier in the year, he surprised a young fan at her birthday party in Ohio, and in 2009, he famously left a $4,000 tip for a waiter in Chicago while filming Public Enemies. These acts of generosity, often spontaneous and unpublicized, suggest a man seeking to connect with people on a human level, far removed from the Hollywood spotlight.

At 61, Depp appears to be in a phase of reinvention, balancing his professional comeback with a quieter, more reflective personal life. He has largely relocated to Europe, splitting time between a £13 million estate in Somerset, England, and a new $25 million hotel project in the South of France, where he is reportedly seeking a more reclusive lifestyle. His comments at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where he dismissed Hollywood’s perceived boycott with, “I’m not thinking about them anyway,” reflect a desire to move forward on his own terms.

Public Reaction and Future Prospects

The Tenerife restaurant visit quickly became a viral moment, with Crusellas’ social media post amassing thousands of likes and shares by May 15, 2025. Fans on X celebrated Depp’s humility, with comments like, “This is why we love Johnny—he’s a legend on and off screen,” and “Seeing him enjoy Tenerife like a local makes me so happy.” The story also highlighted Tenerife’s appeal as a filming destination, with local tourism boards likely to capitalize on the increased attention.

Depp’s presence in Day Drinker has also fueled speculation about his potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. In April 2025, reports surfaced that Disney was in “advanced talks” with Depp to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow for a sixth installment, with a script already prepared and a possible Easter 2026 release. Fans have been vocal about their desire for his return, with some estimating that a film featuring the original cast could gross $2.5 billion. While nothing is confirmed, Depp’s recent projects and public goodwill suggest he’s regaining the industry’s trust.

A Lasting Impression

For the diners and staff at Duke Restaurant, Depp’s visit was a moment to remember, a brief intersection of Hollywood glamour and Canarian hospitality. For Depp, it was another opportunity to show the world a side of him that transcends his on-screen persona—a man who, despite his fame and past struggles, finds joy in connecting with others. As he continues filming Day Drinker and explores new ventures, including his French hotel and potential Pirates return, Depp’s Tenerife moment stands as a testament to his enduring appeal.

This story, unfolding just days after his other acts of kindness in Los Angeles, paints a picture of a star rediscovering his place in the world. At 61, Johnny Depp is not just delighting diners in Tenerife—he’s reminding us all of the power of authenticity, generosity, and the magic of a shared meal in an unexpected place.