Johnny Depp has endured arguably the most turbulent period of his long and illustrious career over the past few years, but it would appear the Pirates of the Caribbean star is back with a bang.
It doesn’t seem all that long ago at all that fans were speculating whether we’d ever see Depp in a major on-screen production again. This time last year he was locked in a high-profile court battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, while all manner of private affairs were aired for the world to see.
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After winning his defamation case, the actor set his sights on making up for lost time and income with a return to making movies, and earlier this week appeared at the Cannes Film Festival to promote his new film, Jeanne Du Barry.
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Though the past couple of years must have been a whirlwind of emotions for the 59-year-old, he will have woken today in good spirits indeed after the event became a resounding success.
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 16: Johnny Depp during “Jeanne du Barry” screening and Opening Ceremony red carpet during the 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
As per reports, fans screamed Depp’s name as he took to the red carpet at the Palais – one woman was even said to have broken down in tears in an attempt to get his attention.
Yet it was what happened inside the venue that’s making headlines today after Depp was met with a truly emotional reaction as he walked in alongside Jeanne Du Barry director Maïwenn.
The pair were welcomed by raucous applause and a standing ovation from the gathered audience. Variety say it went on for seven minutes, with Depp visibly struggling to keep his emotions in check.
When Maïwenn addressed the crowd, she said:
“I want to share this moment with my lover, with my producer, with Le Pacte.
“It was a production that was difficult to finance…and I want to share this moment with all my team across the theater.”
CANNES, FRANCE – MAY 16: Johnny Depp attends the “Jeanne du Barry” screening & opening ceremony red carpet at the 76th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Depp’s presence at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival has been debated by many over the past few days. The Donnie Brasco star has legions of fans the world over whose support remained steadfast in spite of his legal woes, yet the claims made against him by Amber Heard – as well as the aforementioned trial – also brought his detractors out in force.
Many of said critics fiercely condemned his appearance at Cannes, to the extent that festival director Thierry Fremaux felt compelled to issue a response ahead of the opening night.
Fremaux said: “I don’t know about the image of Johnny Depp in the US.
“To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule: It’s the freedom of thinking, and the freedom of speech and acting within a legal framework.
“If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned, we wouldn’t be here talking about it.”
He went on: “This [controversy] came up once the film was announced at Cannes because everybody knew Johnny had made a film in France.
“I don’t know why she chose him but it’s a question you should ask Maiwenn.
“As for the rest, I’m the last person to be able to discuss all this.
“If there’s one person in this world who didn’t find the least interest in this very publicised trial, it’s me.
“I don’t know what it’s about. I also care about Johnny Depp as an actor.”
Jeanne du Barry is the first film starring Depp to be released since his infamous defamation trial against ex-wife Heard. The actor may yet bear the emotional scars from the legal process – which was intensely scrutinized by the global media – but his fortunes certainly appear to be taking a turn for the positive over recent months.
Earlier this week it was announced that the Edward Scissorhands actor had signed the biggest men’s fragrance deal of all time with luxury fashion brand Dior.
The new deal is said to be worth a cool $20 million and will see Depp work with Dior for the next three years.
What do you think of Johnny Depp’s return to the big screen? Are you a fan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
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