Johnny Depp, the Hollywood icon whose career has spanned decades of transformative roles, has re-emerged in the spotlight with a dramatic new appearance on the set of his latest film, Day Drinker. On April 15, 2025, Lionsgate released a first-look image of Depp, showcasing a silver-haired, gray-bearded version of the actor that left fans and critics alike stunned. This marks Depp’s first major Hollywood project since his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, signaling a significant step in his return to acting. Filming in Spain under the direction of Marc Webb, Day Drinker promises to be a thrilling comeback for the 61-year-old star. This article delves into Depp’s striking transformation, the details of his new project, the context of his career resurgence, and what this means for his future in the industry.

A New Look, A New Chapter

The first-look image of Johnny Depp on the Day Drinker set, released by Lionsgate, revealed a nearly unrecognizable version of the actor. Gone are the dark, flowing locks and bohemian accessories that fans associate with his iconic roles like Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. Instead, Depp sports a full head of silver hair tied back into a bun, a bushy gray beard, and piercing blue contact lenses, giving him a weathered yet enigmatic appearance. Dressed in a crisp navy suit with an open-collared shirt, Depp’s transformation has been dubbed a “silver fox” look by fans, with many drawing comparisons to Jonathan Goldsmith’s “Most Interesting Man in the World” from the Dos Equis commercials.

Social media erupted with reactions to Depp’s new look. Fans on X expressed their excitement, with comments like, “Johnny Depp absolutely rocking the silver fox look during filming of Day Drinker! This movie is going to be amazing!” Another user noted, “He looks like a completely different person—Johnny does this so well, immersing himself in every role.” Some even likened his appearance to his previous role as Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, with one fan posting, “Grindelwald vibes, but elevated!” The transformation underscores Depp’s longstanding reputation for fully embodying his characters, a trait that has defined his career from Edward Scissorhands to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Day Drinker Project

Day Drinker, a Lionsgate thriller directed by Marc Webb—known for 500 Days of Summer and Disney’s live-action Snow White—is currently filming in Spain, with locations spanning coastal regions like France, Portugal, and Spain. The film reunites Depp with Penélope Cruz, marking their fourth collaboration after Blow (2001), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Murder on the Orient Express (2017). The cast also includes Madelyn Cline, known for Outer Banks, as well as Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle, rounding out an ensemble that promises a dynamic on-screen chemistry.

The plot centers on a private-yacht bartender, played by Cline, who encounters a mysterious onboard guest, portrayed by Depp. Their paths soon intertwine with a criminal figure, played by Cruz, leading to a web of unexpected connections and high-stakes drama. Lionsgate executive Adam Fogelson described the film as combining “a highly commercial concept with wildly outrageous twists and turns all set in an incredible world,” adding that Depp and Cruz are “perfectly cast” to bring this vision to life. Director Marc Webb echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “I’m excited to be starting production with Johnny, Madelyn, Penélope, and this incredible cast. We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. This is gonna be fun.”

Produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee—known for the John Wick franchise—alongside Adam Kolbrenner and screenwriter Zach Dean, Day Drinker is positioned as a major commercial play for Lionsgate. The film is expected to hit theaters in 2026, and early buzz suggests it could be a significant milestone in Depp’s career resurgence.

A Career Resurgence After Turbulence

Depp’s appearance on the Day Drinker set marks his first major Hollywood studio project since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, from which he was dropped by Warner Bros. in 2020 amid controversies surrounding his divorce from Amber Heard. The couple’s 2016 divorce, followed by Heard’s allegations of domestic abuse and Depp’s subsequent defamation lawsuits, cast a long shadow over his career. In 2018, Heard wrote a Washington Post op-ed identifying herself as a survivor of domestic abuse, prompting Depp to sue for defamation in 2019. The 2022 trial, which was live-streamed and watched by millions, resulted in a mixed verdict: Depp was awarded $10.35 million, while Heard received $2 million for her counterclaim. Though Depp was vindicated in the court of public opinion by many fans, the legal battles severely impacted his professional standing.

Prior to Day Drinker, Depp’s recent projects were smaller, European-backed films like Jeanne du Barry (2023), where he played King Louis XV, and Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, which he directed and premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival in 2024. These projects, while artistically significant, lacked the commercial reach of a Hollywood blockbuster. Day Drinker represents a return to the mainstream, a chance for Depp to reclaim his place among Hollywood’s A-list after years of being sidelined by major studios.

Depp has been vocal about the challenges he faced during this period. At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, while promoting Jeanne du Barry, he addressed the idea of a “comeback,” saying, “I keep wondering about the word comeback because I didn’t go anywhere. Maybe people stopped calling out of whatever their fear was at the time.” His comments reflect a frustration with the industry’s reluctance to work with him during the height of the controversy, as well as a determination to continue creating on his own terms.

The Significance of Depp’s Return

Depp’s return to Hollywood with Day Drinker is more than just a new role—it’s a statement of resilience. Once a three-time Oscar nominee for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Finding Neverland, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Depp’s career was nearly derailed by personal and legal struggles. His removal from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and the Fantastic Beasts series were significant blows, but his persistence in pursuing creative projects—like directing Modi and starring in Jeanne du Barry—demonstrates his unwillingness to let controversy define him.

The Day Drinker role also showcases Depp’s enduring ability to reinvent himself. His new look, with silver hair and blue contacts, is a testament to his commitment to fully embodying his characters, a trait that has made him a fan favorite for decades. Fans have long admired Depp’s versatility, from the quirky charm of Captain Jack Sparrow to the haunting vulnerability of Edward Scissorhands. This latest transformation suggests that Depp is not only returning to Hollywood but doing so with the same fearless creativity that has defined his career.

Public and Industry Reactions

The response to Depp’s appearance on the Day Drinker set has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among fans. On X, users have celebrated his new look, with many expressing excitement about his return to mainstream cinema. “Johnny is looking absolutely incredible,” one fan wrote, while another commented, “I had to zoom in to check it’s Johnny Depp. Can’t wait for this!” The enthusiasm reflects a broader sentiment among Depp’s fanbase, who have remained loyal despite the controversies, often rallying around him during his legal battles with Heard.

The industry, however, remains cautiously optimistic. While Day Drinker marks a significant step, some critics question whether Depp can fully reclaim his former status. His past behavior, including arrests for assault and property damage in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as his struggles with substance abuse, have left a complicated legacy. A GoldDerby article pondered whether Depp could ever contend for Oscars again, noting that while Hollywood loves a comeback story—like Robert Downey Jr.’s Oscar win for Oppenheimer after his own struggles—each case is unique. Depp’s talent has never been in question, but his ability to regain the industry’s full embrace remains uncertain.

Looking Ahead

As Day Drinker continues production, all eyes are on Depp and what this project could mean for his future. The film’s high-profile cast, experienced director, and thrilling premise position it as a potential hit, one that could reintroduce Depp to a new generation of moviegoers while rekindling his connection with longtime fans. Its 2026 release will be a litmus test for Depp’s standing in Hollywood, potentially opening doors to more mainstream projects.

Beyond Day Drinker, Depp has shown a renewed focus on his creative passions. His work as a director with Modi and his continued involvement in music with the Hollywood Vampires suggest that he is diversifying his career, refusing to be defined solely by his acting roles. At 61, Depp appears to be entering a new phase, one where he prioritizes artistic fulfillment over commercial success—a shift that aligns with his recent comments about no longer dwelling on Hollywood’s expectations.

Conclusion

Johnny Depp’s appearance on the Day Drinker set, with his striking silver fox look, marks a pivotal moment in his return to acting. After years of personal and professional challenges, including the fallout from his divorce trial with Amber Heard, Depp is stepping back into the Hollywood spotlight with a role that promises to showcase his transformative talent. Day Drinker is not just a film—it’s a symbol of Depp’s resilience, a testament to his ability to reinvent himself and reclaim his place in an industry that once turned its back on him. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, Depp’s journey serves as a reminder of the enduring power of talent, perseverance, and the magic of a well-timed comeback.