Johnny Depp, the 61-year-old Hollywood icon whose name is synonymous with eclectic roles and a rebellious spirit, has once again captured the public’s imagination. In July 2024, the actor was spotted in the sun-drenched town of St. Tropez, France, exuding his signature free-spirited vibe while surrounded by a close-knit group of male friends. The sighting, documented through a series of candid photos shared on social media, has sparked a wave of curiosity among fans, who are eager to learn more about this chapter in Depp’s life. As he continues his Hollywood comeback with projects like Day Drinker, Depp’s carefree demeanor and loyal friendships in St. Tropez have reminded the world why he remains one of the most enigmatic figures in entertainment.
St. Tropez, with its azure waters and vibrant nightlife, has long been a playground for the rich and famous, and Depp is no stranger to its charm. The actor has a history of retreating to European locales during breaks from his busy schedule, often seeking solace in places that allow him to escape the relentless scrutiny of Hollywood. In July 2024, Depp was photographed in St. Tropez, his appearance a testament to his free-spirited nature. Sporting a weathered fedora, a flowing linen shirt adorned with layers of necklaces, and his signature tinted glasses, Depp looked every bit the bohemian artist he’s known to be. His long hair, now streaked with silver, was tied back loosely, and his tattooed arms were on full display as he strolled through the town’s cobblestone streets, a cigarette dangling casually from his fingers.
What caught fans’ attention, however, wasn’t just Depp’s effortlessly cool style—it was the company he kept. The photos, shared by fan accounts on platforms like X, showed Depp laughing and chatting with a small group of male friends, a mix of familiar faces and new companions. Among them was Egyptian singer Ahmed Saad, whom Depp had recently spent time with on a yacht alongside Will Smith, as part of their journey to perform at Andrea Bocelli’s star-studded concert in Italy. Also spotted were a couple of lesser-known figures: a French artist named Julien, known for his abstract paintings, and a British musician named Tom, who has collaborated with Depp on impromptu jam sessions in the past. The group’s camaraderie was evident, with Depp at the center, his infectious laughter and animated gestures drawing smiles from those around him.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their fascination with this glimpse into Depp’s personal life. “Johnny in St. Tropez with his crew—living his best life! Love how free he looks,” one fan wrote on X, accompanied by a heart-eyes emoji. Another commented, “Who are these guys with Johnny? They seem so tight-knit. I need to know more about his St. Tropez squad!” The photos painted a picture of a man who, despite his global fame, cherishes the simple joy of friendship, a trait that has endeared him to fans for decades. Depp’s ability to maintain genuine connections, even after years of public turmoil, has only deepened his appeal.
Depp’s time in St. Tropez came during a pivotal moment in his career. He’s currently in the midst of a Hollywood comeback, with his latest project, Day Drinker, marking his return to mainstream studio films. The Lionsgate thriller, which began production in April 2025, features Depp in a transformative role, sporting a silver-fox look with a bushy gray beard and blue contacts—a stark contrast to his St. Tropez appearance. Directed by Marc Webb, the film also stars Penélope Cruz, with whom Depp has collaborated on multiple projects, including Blow and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Fans have raved about Depp’s new look for the film, with one describing him as “a walking chameleon” for his ability to reinvent himself with each role. Yet, in St. Tropez, Depp shed the Hollywood polish, embracing a more authentic version of himself that fans have come to adore.
The group’s activities in St. Tropez were as eclectic as Depp himself. According to local reports, they spent their days lounging at a secluded beach club, where Depp was seen sketching in a leather-bound notebook while his friends played cards and sipped rosé. Evenings were filled with music, as the group frequented a small jazz bar known for its live performances. Depp, a longtime musician who has released albums with the late Jeff Beck and performed with his band Hollywood Vampires, reportedly joined in for an impromptu set one night, playing guitar alongside Tom while the crowd cheered. “He was so in his element,” a bar patron later told a local newspaper. “You could tell he was just enjoying the moment, surrounded by friends who clearly mean a lot to him.”
This display of camaraderie has piqued fans’ curiosity about the men who make up Depp’s inner circle. Ahmed Saad, a rising star in the Middle Eastern music scene, has become a frequent companion of Depp’s, with the two bonding over their shared love of music. Their friendship was further highlighted during the Andrea Bocelli concert in Lajatico, Italy, where Depp performed a guitar tribute to Jeff Beck, and Saad joined him and Will Smith on stage for a group number. Julien, the French artist, is said to have met Depp at an art exhibition in Paris, where the two connected over their mutual passion for creativity. Tom, the British musician, has been a longtime friend, often joining Depp for late-night jam sessions at his London home. Together, this group represents the kind of eclectic, artistic community that Depp has always gravitated toward—a far cry from the Hollywood elite.
For Depp, these friendships are a lifeline, especially after the challenges he’s faced in recent years. His highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, which culminated in a 2022 defamation trial, took a significant toll on his career and personal life. The trial, which awarded Depp $10.35 million and Heard $2 million, exposed the messy details of their volatile relationship, leaving Depp to rebuild his reputation in its aftermath. Since then, he’s focused on projects that align with his passions, such as directing Modì, a film featuring Al Pacino, and curating his art exhibition A Bunch of Stuff, which ran in Chelsea, New York, through November 2024. But it’s his friendships that have provided the emotional support he needed to move forward, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans.
“Seeing Johnny so happy with his friends in St. Tropez—it’s everything,” one fan wrote on Instagram, where a fan page reposted the photos. “After everything he’s been through, he deserves this.” Another fan speculated about the group’s dynamic, saying, “I bet they’re all artists and musicians like Johnny. He always surrounds himself with creative souls.” The curiosity about Depp’s companions reflects a broader fascination with his ability to live life on his own terms, unapologetically embracing his quirks and passions even in the face of public scrutiny.
Depp’s free-spirited appearance in St. Tropez also served as a reminder of his enduring appeal. At 61, he continues to defy Hollywood norms, opting for a style that’s more rockstar than red carpet. His linen shirts, layered jewelry, and weathered boots are a stark contrast to the polished looks of many of his peers, yet they resonate with fans who see him as a symbol of authenticity. “Johnny Depp in St. Tropez is giving me life,” one fan tweeted. “That man could wear a potato sack and still look cooler than anyone else.” Another added, “He’s aging like fine wine—silver hair, tattoos, and all. The St. Tropez vibe suits him perfectly.”
As Depp prepares to return to the spotlight with Day Drinker, his time in St. Tropez has offered a glimpse into the man behind the roles—a man who values friendship, creativity, and freedom above all else. The photos of him with his close-knit group of friends have not only piqued fans’ curiosity but also reaffirmed their admiration for his resilience and authenticity. In a world where celebrity culture often feels manufactured, Depp’s unfiltered approach to life continues to captivate, proving that even after decades in the spotlight, he remains a true original.
