Johnny Depp, renowned for his transformative performances in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, is stepping into a new phase of his acting career with the upcoming film Day Drinker. Co-starring Madelyn Cline and Penélope Cruz, and directed by Marc Webb, the film began production in Spain on April 14, 2025. This project marks Depp’s return to a major Hollywood studio film after several years, and it has already sparked strong interest from fans and industry watchers alike.

This significant new role follows a turbulent period in Depp’s personal life, particularly the widely publicized defamation trial involving his ex-wife, Amber Heard. In the aftermath, Depp reemerged in the spotlight with his performance as King Louis XV in the French-language biopic Jeanne du Barry, which opened the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. He also returned to the director’s chair for Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, a film about painter Amedeo Modigliani. When asked about a possible comeback, Depp rejected the idea, stating he had “not gone anywhere” and attributing his absence to public perception rather than personal withdrawal.

In Day Drinker, Depp portrays a mysterious and possibly dangerous guest on an opulent private yacht. His character becomes entangled with a savvy bartender, played by Madelyn Cline, and their journey soon collides with a dangerous underworld figure portrayed by Penélope Cruz. The film promises a suspenseful plot filled with unforeseen twists, and it represents Depp’s first major studio acting role since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, further amplifying expectations for his performance.

The film also boasts a dynamic ensemble cast including Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle. Depp’s on-screen chemistry with Cruz, already well-established through prior collaborations in Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express, adds another compelling dimension to the project. An early promotional image of Depp, drink in hand and cloaked in mystery, has set an ominous and intriguing tone for the thriller.

Director Marc Webb has shared his enthusiasm for the production, citing the stunning filming location and the film’s “thrilling, ferocious story” as key elements of what promises to be an exciting endeavor. With a blend of seasoned talent and rising stars, Day Drinker stands as a pivotal moment in Johnny Depp’s post-trial career, offering audiences a chance to see the actor once again immerse himself in a dark, complex role within a stylish and suspenseful narrative.