In a development that has set tongues wagging across the entertainment world, Johnny Depp has reportedly acquired a new village in the United Kingdom, with plans to relocate there alongside a rumored girlfriend after wrapping up filming for his latest project, Day Drinker. The news, which emerged in mid-2025, has reignited interest in the 62-year-old actor’s private life, blending his well-known eccentricity with whispers of a fresh chapter following his tumultuous legal battles. While details remain scarce, the story has already sparked a mix of fascination and skepticism, painting a picture of a man seeking solace in a quaint English setting after years in the Hollywood spotlight.

The rumored purchase centers on a picturesque village in Somerset, a county in southwest England where Depp already owns a sprawling £13 million estate acquired in 2014. This latest acquisition, if confirmed, would expand his UK property portfolio, which includes a 19th-century mansion set on 850 acres, complete with 12 bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and walled gardens. Local sources suggest the new village, potentially located near his existing property, features a collection of historic cottages and communal spaces, reminiscent of the French village he bought in 2001 for $55.5 million. That Provençal estate, complete with a skate park, wine cellar, and renovated church, served as a family retreat during his relationship with Vanessa Paradis. The Somerset village, however, appears poised to become a more permanent base, fueled by Depp’s growing affinity for the region’s understated charm.

Depp’s connection to Somerset is well-documented. In a 2023 interview with Somerset Life, he praised the area’s character and the British knack for treating him like a neighbor rather than a celebrity. “I can go into shops without being surrounded by people wanting selfies,” he said, highlighting his preference for privacy—a stark contrast to his Hollywood heyday. The actor, who has lived a quieter life in the UK since his 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard, seems to have found a haven in the countryside. The new village purchase, if true, aligns with this narrative, offering a secluded retreat where he can escape the scrutiny that once defined his public image.

The rumored girlfriend adds a layer of intrigue. Speculation points to Joelle Rich, a UK-based attorney who represented Depp during his UK libel case against The Sun in 2020. Though their professional relationship ended after the US trial, tabloids have linked them romantically, citing their chemistry during legal proceedings. Recent reports suggest Rich may have visited Depp on the set of Day Drinker, currently filming in Spain with Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. A source claimed, “They’ve grown close, and Johnny’s talked about settling down with someone who understands his past.” However, Depp’s representatives have dismissed these claims as baseless, insisting his focus remains on his career and personal recovery. The lack of concrete evidence leaves the girlfriend angle as pure conjecture, though it fuels the narrative of a man seeking companionship post-Heard.

Day Drinker, directed by Marc Webb, marks Depp’s return to Hollywood’s mainstream, a bold move after years of independent projects like Jeanne du Barry and Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness. The film, which began production in April 2025, casts Depp as a mysterious guest on a private yacht, entangled with a bartender (Cline) and a criminal figure (Cruz). The role, paired with his grizzled new look—graying beard and hair in a bun—signals a departure from his Pirates of the Caribbean persona, embracing a darker, more introspective character. Depp’s collaboration with Cruz, his fourth after Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express, underscores his intent to reclaim his place in cinema. Filming is expected to wrap by late 2025, setting the stage for his potential move to the UK village.

The village purchase, if real, would echo Depp’s past real estate ventures, which span a $3.6 million Bahamian island and a Hollywood Hills compound worth $19 million. His financial history, however, raises questions about the feasibility. A 2017 exposé revealed he spent $650 million, leading to a $100 million debt and the sale of assets like his French village. Critics argue the Somerset acquisition might strain his finances, especially with Day Drinker’s success uncertain. Yet, supporters point to his recent earnings—estimated at $75 million per film during his peak—and his frugal lifestyle in the UK as evidence of stability. The lack of official confirmation from Depp or Lionsgate leaves room for doubt, with some suggesting the story might be a publicity stunt to boost Day Drinker’s profile.

Public reaction has been polarized. On social media, fans celebrate Depp’s reinvention, with posts like “Johnny buying a village is peak Depp energy!” Others question the narrative, citing his history of legal and financial turmoil. The Amber Heard trial, which ended with Depp awarded $10.35 million (reduced from $15 million) and Heard $2 million, left a lasting impact. Heard’s move to Spain and Depp’s retreat to the UK marked a physical and emotional divide, with the actor telling Variety in 2023, “I didn’t go anywhere—I live 45 minutes away,” dismissing the “comeback” label. The village story, tied to a rumored romance, risks reigniting old controversies, though Depp’s silence suggests he’s sidestepping the drama.

The Somerset community offers a fitting backdrop. Known for its rolling hills and historic charm, it’s home to figures like actor Hugh Grant, who also values its privacy. Local reactions to Depp’s potential expansion are mixed—some welcome the economic boost, while others fear an influx of paparazzi. A café owner near his estate noted, “He’s polite, keeps to himself,” reflecting the actor’s low profile. The village, if acquired, could become a creative hub, much like his French estate, where he renovated structures and hosted friends. Plans to move there with a partner, if true, might include transforming the cottages into a family or artistic retreat, aligning with his past projects like the Bahamian island’s themed beaches.

As of 09:24 AM +07 on June 20, 2025, the story remains unverified. No property records or official statements confirm the purchase, and Depp’s team has not addressed the girlfriend rumors. Filming for Day Drinker continues, with Depp spotted in Spain, his focus seemingly on the role rather than relocation plans. The narrative, however, taps into his enduring appeal—unconventional, unpredictable, and deeply human. Whether the village move happens or the girlfriend exists, it reflects a man reshaping his life on his terms, away from Hollywood’s glare. In a career marked by highs and lows, this latest chapter—real or rumored—offers a glimpse of Johnny Depp seeking a new horizon, brick by brick, in the quiet heart of England.