On the morning of June 18, 2025, whispers turned into a roaring buzz in the entertainment world as reports surfaced that Johnny Depp, the 62-year-old Hollywood icon, and Jenna Ortega, the 22-year-old breakout star of Wednesday, have quietly signed new contracts for a highly secretive project. The news, breaking at around 10:07 AM +07, has sent fans into a frenzy, with speculation running wild about what this mysterious collaboration could entail. Both actors, known for their distinct yet captivating screen presences, have kept details under wraps, fueling excitement and intrigue across social media platforms like X, where hashtags such as #DeppOrtega and #SecretProject are trending.
The revelation came from an insider leak to a major entertainment outlet, suggesting that the contracts were finalized in late May 2025, following months of discreet negotiations. Depp, fresh off his role in the upcoming Day Drinker with Penélope Cruz, and Ortega, riding the wave of her Beetlejuice Beetlejuice success set for September 6, 2025, are said to have committed to a project that promises to blend their unique talents. Neither actor’s representatives have confirmed the details, but the timing—amid Depp’s Hollywood resurgence and Ortega’s rising star status—hints at a strategic move to capitalize on their current momentum. The secrecy surrounding the deal has only amplified the anticipation, with fans dissecting every possible clue.
Depp’s career has seen a dramatic arc, marked by his 2022 defamation trial win against Amber Heard, which awarded him $10 million in damages, followed by a period of exile from major studios. His return began with Jeanne du Barry at Cannes 2023 and continued with Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness at San Sebastián 2024, alongside his Day Drinker role. Ortega, meanwhile, has evolved from Disney’s Stuck in the Middle to a horror icon with Wednesday and Scream, her net worth now estimated at $5 million in 2025. Their shared connection through director Tim Burton—Depp in classics like Edward Scissorhands and Ortega in Wednesday and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice—has long fueled rumors of a potential pairing, though both have publicly dismissed past dating speculations.
The secret project’s nature remains elusive, but several theories have emerged. One popular hypothesis suggests a Burton-directed film, possibly a gothic fantasy or a sequel tying into Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, given Ortega’s role as Astrid Deetz and Depp’s history with Burton. Another speculation points to a musical venture, leveraging Depp’s Hollywood Vampires background and Ortega’s vocal talents hinted at in Wednesday outtakes. A darker theory posits a psychological thriller, aligning with their recent genre explorations. Fans on X have oscillated between excitement and impatience, with posts like “Depp and Ortega together? This is the collab of the century!” and “Tell us already—what’s the project?!”
The contract details, leaked in fragments, indicate a multi-year deal with a major studio, likely Disney or Warner Bros., given their ties to the actors’ past works. Reports suggest a budget exceeding $100 million, with filming slated to begin in early 2026, possibly in Europe to accommodate Depp’s Spain-based lifestyle and Ortega’s international appeal. The involvement of a secretive production team, including a noted cinematographer and a composer known for eerie scores, adds credence to the gothic or thriller angle. However, the lack of official confirmation leaves room for skepticism, with some questioning whether the leak is a deliberate hype strategy.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, though not without debate. On X, supporters celebrate the pairing, citing Depp’s mentorship potential for Ortega and their shared outsider personas—Depp’s high school dropout past and Ortega’s rejection of typecasting. Critics, however, raise concerns about Depp’s controversial history, including his 2020 U.K. libel loss to The Sun, which labeled him a “wife-beater,” and the age gap, with comments like “He’s old enough to be her dad—why this combo?” Ortega has repeatedly debunked dating rumors, laughing off co-star Richard E. Grant’s on-set query with “I don’t know that person,” reinforcing their professional focus.
The project’s timing aligns with strategic career moves. Depp’s Day Drinker, set for a 2026 release, and Ortega’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice provide a launchpad, while Disney’s rumored Pirates of the Caribbean 6 talks—where Orlando Bloom has expressed openness—could intersect with this venture. For Ortega, it’s a chance to solidify her A-list status beyond Wednesday’s second season, teased for 2026. The secrecy might also shield them from early backlash, a tactic used in past high-stakes projects like The Batman.
Industry insiders hint at a press conference in July 2025 to unveil the project, potentially at San Diego Comic-Con, where exclusive footage could debut. The contracts reportedly include creative control clauses, allowing Depp and Ortega to shape their characters, a rarity for actors of their stature. This autonomy could explain the hush-hush approach, protecting a bold narrative from premature leaks. Meanwhile, their recent public appearances—Depp with Cruz at Madrid’s Museo Reina Sofía on June 14, and Ortega promoting Hurry Up Tomorrow—show no signs of this collaboration, adding to the mystique.
Cultural impact is already evident. In Spain, where Depp has resided since 2022 and Ortega filmed Wednesday, the pairing is seen as a bridge between generations, blending Depp’s ’90s rebel image with Ortega’s Gen Z edge. Fans in the U.S. and Europe anticipate a global box office hit, with some predicting a cultural reset akin to The Matrix. The project’s potential to revive Depp’s Disney ties or launch Ortega into superhero territory—speculated due to Marvel’s interest in her post-Iron Man 3 cameo—keeps the speculation alive.
As of 10:07 AM +07 on June 18, 2025, the entertainment world awaits confirmation. The silence from Depp and Ortega, coupled with their teams’ refusal to comment, only heightens the wild drive among fans. Whether a Burton masterpiece, a musical surprise, or a thriller twist, this secret project promises to be a defining moment, uniting two talents whose quiet contracts have already sparked a loud reaction.
