Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves, two of Hollywood’s most beloved and iconic actors, have each navigated their share of public scrutiny while maintaining a reputation for humility and kindness. Depp, known for his transformative roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, and Reeves, celebrated for his action-hero turns in The Matrix and John Wick, have both faced the highs and lows of fame. In early 2025, during the filming of their new thriller Day Drinker in Madrid, Spain, an unexpected incident at a local gym brought these two stars together in a moment that revealed the depth of their character and left a judgmental trainer red-faced. This article explores the incident, the context of their lives at the time, and the broader lessons about assumptions, resilience, and the power of camaraderie.
A Shared Project and a Gym Encounter
In March 2025, Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves were in Madrid, filming Day Drinker, a Lionsgate thriller directed by Marc Webb. The film, which also stars Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline, marks Depp’s first major studio project since his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, which began with allegations of domestic abuse in 2016 and culminated in a 2022 defamation trial. For Depp, the role was a significant step in his Hollywood comeback, showcasing a new “silver fox” look with grey hair that fans described as “unrecognizable” when first-look photos were released in April 2025. Reeves, meanwhile, was coming off the success of John Wick: Chapter 4 and brought his signature action-hero physique to the project, having trained rigorously for his roles over the years.
During a break from filming, Depp and Reeves decided to visit a local gym in Madrid to maintain their fitness routines. Reeves, known for his disciplined training—especially for the physically demanding John Wick series—was a regular at the gym, often working out with a personal trainer named Carlos Mendez, a former competitive bodybuilder. Depp, on the other hand, was not a frequent gym-goer. At 61, he had a leaner build, shaped more by his artistic lifestyle than by intense physical training. His appearance in the gym, wearing a loose tank top and sweatpants, stood in stark contrast to the chiseled physiques of the other patrons, including Mendez and his clients.
As Depp began a light workout on the treadmill, Mendez, who was training a group nearby, noticed him and made a snide remark. “Looks like someone’s here to play dress-up, not lift weights,” Mendez said loudly, chuckling with his clients. He continued, “Maybe stick to acting, old man—leave the real work to the pros.” The comment, meant to impress his group, drew laughter from some but left Depp visibly uncomfortable. Witnesses later reported that Depp tried to brush it off with a smile, but the mockery stung, especially given his ongoing journey to rebuild his confidence after years of public scrutiny.
Keanu Reeves Steps In
Unbeknownst to Mendez, Keanu Reeves had just arrived at the gym and overheard the exchange. Reeves, who at 60 maintained an impressive physique through years of martial arts training and stunt work, was not only a friend of Depp’s but also a regular at the gym. He had worked with Mendez on several occasions and knew the trainer’s tendency to show off for his clients. Seeing Depp being mocked, Reeves decided to intervene, not with anger, but with a quiet authority that would soon turn the situation around.
Reeves approached Mendez and his group, greeting them casually before turning to Depp. “Hey, Johnny, want to join me for some sparring? I could use a partner,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. Depp, grateful for the support, nodded and followed Reeves to a corner of the gym equipped with mats for martial arts training. What followed was a revelation that left Mendez and his clients stunned—and embarrassed.
Reeves, drawing on his extensive experience in action films, began a light sparring session with Depp. While Depp wasn’t a trained fighter, he had worked with stunt coordinators for roles like Captain Jack Sparrow, which required agility and swordplay. More importantly, Reeves revealed a surprising truth: Depp had been training with him privately to prepare for Day Drinker, a film that included several action sequences. “Johnny’s been putting in the work,” Reeves told the group, as Depp executed a series of defensive moves with surprising competence. “He’s tougher than he looks—physically and mentally. You’d be amazed at what he’s overcome.”
Reeves then shared a bit of context that silenced Mendez. He mentioned Depp’s resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, including his highly publicized legal battles with Heard, which had taken a toll on his mental and physical health. “This guy has been through more than most of us could handle, and he’s still here, still working, still showing up,” Reeves said, his tone firm but not aggressive. “Maybe instead of mocking him, you should take a page out of his book.”
The Truth Leaves the Trainer Embarrassed
The truth about Depp’s journey hit Mendez hard. Unaware of Depp’s recent struggles—or the fact that he was training for a physically demanding role—Mendez had assumed Depp was just a “washed-up” actor trying to look the part. The trainer’s face turned red as he realized his mistake, especially when he saw the respect in the eyes of the other gym patrons, who had gathered to watch the sparring session. Depp, for his part, didn’t gloat. He shook Reeves’ hand, thanked him for the session, and quietly returned to his treadmill, leaving Mendez to reflect on his actions.
Mendez later approached Depp to apologize, admitting his comment was unprofessional and based on a shallow assumption. “I didn’t know your story, man. I judged you too quick,” he said, as reported by a local Madrid news outlet that picked up the story after it spread on social media. Depp, true to his character, accepted the apology with grace, saying, “We all make mistakes. Let’s just keep pushing forward.” The incident became a talking point among gym-goers, with many praising Reeves for standing up for his friend and Depp for handling the situation with dignity.
A Broader Context of Resilience
The gym incident occurred at a pivotal moment for both Depp and Reeves. For Depp, 2025 marked a significant comeback. After years of being sidelined by Hollywood following Heard’s allegations—which he denied, claiming he was the victim of her aggression—Depp won a defamation lawsuit against Heard in 2022, with the jury awarding him $10.35 million in damages. However, a 2020 UK court ruling had previously found it accurate to label him a “wife-beater,” a decision that damaged his reputation and led to his removal from projects like Fantastic Beasts. His role in Day Drinker was a chance to reclaim his place in the industry, and the physical training he undertook for the film was part of that journey—a fact Mendez had overlooked.
Reeves, meanwhile, was in a different phase of his career. Known for his rigorous training regimens, he had long been a symbol of discipline and humility in Hollywood. His intervention in the gym wasn’t just about defending a friend; it reflected his own values of empathy and support, qualities that have defined his interactions with others. In 2015, Reeves worked with Depp in the horror film Knock Knock, and the two had developed a mutual respect over the years. Their shared history made Reeves’ defense of Depp all the more meaningful.
Lessons in Assumptions and Resilience
The gym incident offers several profound lessons. First, it highlights the dangers of making assumptions based on appearances. Mendez judged Depp by his lean frame and casual demeanor, failing to consider the possibility that he was working on himself in ways that weren’t immediately visible. This mirrors a broader societal tendency to judge celebrities—and people in general—based on superficial traits, ignoring the complexities of their lives. Depp’s resilience, both in facing public scrutiny and in training for a new role, proved that strength isn’t always about physical appearance.
Second, the story underscores the power of camaraderie and standing up for others. Reeves didn’t need to intervene, but his decision to do so not only supported Depp but also shifted the dynamic in the gym, encouraging reflection and accountability. His actions echo his well-documented history of kindness, such as giving up his seat on a New York subway in 2011 or helping stranded passengers after a flight emergency in 2019. Reeves’ support for Depp was a reminder that true strength lies in lifting others up, not tearing them down.
Finally, the incident showcases Depp’s grace under pressure. Despite years of public criticism and personal challenges, he handled Mendez’s mockery with dignity, choosing to let the truth speak for itself rather than retaliate. This resilience is a testament to his character, a quality that has endeared him to fans even amidst controversies. As he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024, reflecting on his career, “I learned, man. Everything that we experience… you learn something somewhere along the way”.
Conclusion: A Moment of Truth and Redemption
As of April 16, 2025, Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves continue to work together on Day Drinker, a project that promises to showcase their talents and their newfound camaraderie. The gym incident in Madrid, while a small moment in their storied careers, revealed the depth of their characters—Depp’s resilience and Reeves’ loyalty—and left a trainer embarrassed for his hasty judgment. For Mendez, the experience was a humbling lesson in looking beyond appearances. For Depp, it was another step in proving his detractors wrong, not through words, but through action and perseverance.
This story reminds us all to approach others with empathy, to challenge our assumptions, and to recognize the strength that lies beneath the surface. In a world quick to judge, Depp and Reeves showed that true character shines through in the face of adversity—and that sometimes, the truth has a way of turning embarrassment into enlightenment.
