Johnny Depp is making a striking return to Hollywood with his latest film, Day Drinker, directed by Marc Webb. The production officially kicked off in Spain, and Lionsgate recently shared a first-look image of Depp, showcasing a dramatic transformation that has fans buzzing.
The 61-year-old actor, known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, appears unrecognizable in the promotional photo, sporting a full gray beard, silver hair, and blue contact lenses. This new look has already sparked excitement among fans, with many praising his so-called "silver fox" appearance. One fan remarked, "Johnny Depp absolutely rocking the silver fox look during filming of Day Drinker! This movie is going to be amazing!"
Day Drinker marks Depp's first significant role in an American production since his highly publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard concluded in June 2022. The film also stars Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline, marking a reunion for Depp and Cruz, who have previously collaborated on three films: Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express.
In Day Drinker, Depp plays a mysterious guest on a private yacht who forms an unlikely bond with a bartender, portrayed by Cline. The story takes a thrilling turn as they become entangled with Cruz's character, a dangerous criminal with unexpected connections. The film's narrative promises a blend of intrigue and high stakes, set against the picturesque backdrop of Spain.
Depp's return to the big screen comes after years of personal and legal turmoil. Following his legal battles with Heard, Depp expressed in a previous interview, "Did I feel boycotted by Hollywood? You'd have to not have a pulse to feel like, 'No. None of this is happening. It's a weird joke.'" He emphasized that he no longer dwells on Hollywood and is focused on his work and personal life, which now includes painting and music.
The film's director, Marc Webb, known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man, has described Day Drinker as "thrilling" and "ferocious," highlighting the incredible chemistry between the cast. Webb stated, "We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. This is gonna be fun."
Alongside Depp, the film also features a talented supporting cast, including Manu Rios, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle. Rios and Piper are recognized for their roles in Netflix’s Elite, while Boyle has made a name for herself in the West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Despite his recent challenges, Depp has not been absent from the film industry. He starred in the French period drama Jeanne du Barry in 2023 and directed Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness in 2024. However, Day Drinker is his first collaboration with a major distributor since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
The anticipation surrounding Day Drinker is palpable, as it represents not just a return to form for Depp but also a significant chapter in his career after overcoming numerous obstacles. The film is set to be released in 2026, and fans are eager to see how Depp's character navigates the complexities of love and crime.
As the production progresses, the excitement surrounding Day Drinker continues to build. With its star-studded cast and promising storyline, this film may well mark a new beginning for Depp, who has faced both public scrutiny and personal challenges over the past few years. The actor's transformation and the film's intriguing premise have fans eagerly awaiting its release.
In summary, Day Drinker represents not just a film but a comeback story for Johnny Depp, who has weathered storms in both his personal and professional life. With the support of a talented cast and crew, Depp is poised to reclaim his place in Hollywood with this thrilling new project.
