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Johnny Depp’s Comeback Continues with “Day Drinker”
Johnny Depp famously noted, “I’ve had about 17 comebacks, and I don’t understand it because I didn’t go anywhere.” His latest film, Day Drinker, represents what many are calling his 18th comeback.
The three-time Academy Award nominee, recognized for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Finding Neverland, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, recently began filming Day Drinker in Spain. The thriller focuses on a cruise ship bartender, portrayed by Madelyn Cline, who finds herself caught up in criminal activities involving Depp’s character, an alcoholic passenger, and a notorious criminal played by Penélope Cruz. A first-look image featuring Depp was unveiled today.
This film marks Depp’s return to Hollywood since his high-profile defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard concluded in 2022. His past has been marred by controversies, including arrests for various offenses, such as assault in Vancouver in 1989 and hotel damages in New York City in 1994.
Despite the challenges, Depp has remained active in the industry. Following the conclusion of the trial, he starred in the French film Jeanne du Barry, where he played Louis XV, which premiered at Cannes in May 2023, garnering mixed reviews. He also directed the biopic Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness about artist Amedeo Modigliani, showcased at the San Sebastián Film Festival in September 2024. Now, he shifts his focus back to Day Drinker.
During a press conference at Cannes in 2023, Depp stated, “I don’t feel boycotted by Hollywood, because I don’t think about Hollywood. I don’t have much use for Hollywood, do you?” He addressed questions about the concept of a “comeback” by asserting, “Maybe people stopped calling me out of whatever their fear was at the time — but I didn’t go nowhere.”
Hollywood often celebrates comebacks, but the impact of Day Drinker on Depp’s reputation and potential awards nominations won’t be apparent for some time. History demonstrates both remarkable recoveries and irretrievable downfalls in the industry. For instance, Robert Downey Jr. reinvented himself after facing severe substance abuse issues to ultimately win an Oscar for Oppenheimer.
Conversely, the path has not been as smooth for others. In 2006, Mel Gibson faced backlash after making antisemitic remarks during a DUI arrest. His career saw a resurgence with Hacksaw Ridge earning multiple Oscar nominations in 2017 and subsequent projects in development.
Roman Polanski, despite fleeing the U.S. after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, continued to receive critical acclaim, securing Oscar nominations while living abroad, including a win for The Pianist.
In more recent years, Kevin Spacey faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, which led to his virtual cancellation in 2017. He has since begun to re-enter the industry with smaller projects, but big studio roles remain elusive.
Similarly, Woody Allen, whose controversial past includes accusations of sexual abuse, managed a notable comeback with Midnight in Paris, which won him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, though his reception has often been mixed.
Co-directed by Marc Webb, Day Drinker is produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. Webb expressed his enthusiasm for the project, 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.” The release date for Day Drinker has yet to be announced.
Source
www.goldderby.com