Johnny Depp Unveils Refined Look at UK Premiere of Jeanne Du Barry Amid Comeback

Johnny Depp, the 60-year-old actor known for iconic roles like Edward Scissorhands, has undergone a significant makeover, shedding his bohemian image for a more refined look at the UK premiere of his new film 'Jeanne Du Barry.' The French historical drama, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year, marks Depp's first major onscreen appearance since his high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.

At the London premiere, Depp walked the red carpet dressed in a sleek all-black tuxedo, a departure from his previous bohemian style. He reunited with British director Terry Gilliam, with whom he has worked on films like 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' Depp expressed his appreciation to the film's director, Maïwenn, for giving him the opportunity to play the role of King Louis XV, revealing that he initially tried to talk her out of casting him as he felt it did not make sense for him to play the part.

Despite the challenges of working with Depp, who wanted to be treated as an icon and often failed to follow the script, Maïwenn says she has no regrets about casting him in the film. The French-Algerian actress and filmmaker, who also stars in the title role, has been 'obsessed' with the story of Jeanne du Barry, a low-born courtesan who became the king's favorite mistress, for many years. Maïwenn claims she used Depp's pique to her advantage, making changes to the script that he was unhappy with.

Why this matters: Johnny Depp's appearance at the UK premiere of 'Jeanne Du Barry' signifies a major step in his comeback after the controversy surrounding his legal battle with Amber Heard. The film's success and Depp's transformed image could potentially reshape his career trajectory and public perception.

The release of 'Jeanne Du Barry' in the United States through Fathom Events on May 2nd will be an interesting test for Depp's comeback. His London-based production company, IN 2, is handling the UK release of the film on 70 screens on April 19, followed by the US launch. Stephen Malit, the head of production at IN 2, believes the film's status as a French-language period drama, rather than any negative press surrounding Depp's legal battle with Heard, deterred UK distributors from making significant offers, prompting the company to take on the release themselves.

Looking ahead, Depp is also directing a movie starring Robert De Niro, further exploring his creative endeavors outside of the Hollywood mainstream. "I'm super happy for him, I'm very proud of him," Depp's daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, said of her father's return to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. "It's awesome that we get to work on projects that we're super proud of."

Key Takeaways

• Johnny Depp undergoes makeover for 'Jeanne Du Barry' UK premiere
• Depp plays King Louis XV in French historical drama, his first major role since defamation case
• Director Maïwenn cast Depp despite challenges, used his pique to her advantage
• Depp's comeback tested with 'Jeanne Du Barry' US release, his daughter Lily-Rose is proud
• Depp also directing a movie starring Robert De Niro, exploring creative endeavors outside Hollywood