For audiences, it's been a while since Johnny Depp was mentioned in the spotlight regarding his film roles. Depp has gained a lot of media attention in the past year for his trial against ex-wife Amber Heard. However, the Oscar-nominated actor seeks to regain his reputation as a talented movie star with an upcoming project in 2023.
Depp's next feature is a French biopic distributed by Netflix called La Favorite. The film will star Depp as King Louis XV, and is directed by French producer, writer, and star Maïwenn. What is Johnny Depp's next movie about? Here are some details thus far.
What Was Johnny Depp’s Last Movie?
Before La Favorite, Depp starred in another biographical drama, Minamata, where he portrays American photojournalist W. Eugene Smith, who went to Japan to document the horrifying neurological effects of mercury poisoning on its citizens. Minamata is a 2020 feature, but it premiered in the U.S. in 2022 and took third place in the Oscars Fan Favorite contest at the 94th Academy Awards last year.
While Minamata received a mixed to positive reception in terms of the storyline, Depp's performance is considered one of his best in years, especially in terms of tackling a complex and heartfelt role. The film also wasn't a box office success since it made barely $2 million worldwide on an $11 or $13 million budget. However, this film and the upcoming La Favorite show that Depp intends to tackle more dramatic parts based on real-life figures. He appears to be departing from over-the-top roles like his Jack Sparrow character in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
What Is Johnny Depp’s Next Movie?
Depp's next feature, La Favorite (originally titled Jeanne du Barry) is a period piece that is acted entirely in French and will be distributed by Netflix (even though the movie is not considered a Netflix original). The film will premiere in France and then be available to stream on Netflix fifteen months later, meaning that audiences around the world won't see the feature until the middle of 2024. In addition to starring Depp as King Louis XV, writer and director Maïwenn portrays Louis' mistress, Madame Jeanne du Barry.
The details surrounding the plot of the film are unknown at this time, but the central story appears to focus on the relationship between King Louis and Madame du Barry, as well as Louis' flawed and corrupt reign as the monarch of France. Since this is a biographical picture, there may also be context surrounding Louis' actions that would lead to the French Revolution, including his successes and failures in wars that caused financial crises.
Louis' love affair with his chief royal mistress, Jeanne du Barry, will display the King's fascination with her considering the substantial amount of money he gave her along with plenty of dresses and living expenses. Jeanne's story will also be central to the plot in terms of exploring her history as a prostitute to her rising status as mistress to the king, as well as many who disliked her and considered her a scandalous figure (including Marie Antoinette).
The movie is currently in post-production, and based on recent images displaying Depp and Maïwenn wearing elegant wardrobes for their respective characters, the feature appears to have a lavish costume and production design. Filming took place on location in Versailles and areas around Paris, France. La Favorite also has a full cast of French actors, including comedian Pierre Richard (also well-known as a screenwriter and director), Louis Garrel (known for starring in romantic films like The Dreamers with Eva Green), and Noémie Lvovsky (who has appeared in romantic comedy-dramas including My Wife Is an Actress).
Can Depp Make A Comeback With His New Film?
Johnny Depp is not only considered one of the best actors of his generation, but he's also a versatile performer with various roles in his resume. With filmmaker Tim Burton, Depp is recognized for portraying gothic and overly stylized characters in movies like Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and Alice in Wonderland. As the funny and charismatic Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates franchise, he became one of the biggest box-office stars in the world and gained popularity with more audiences.
Over the past decade, he has also starred in critical and financial flops such as Dark Shadows, The Lone Ranger, Transcendence, and Mortdecai. Despite this, he has delivered powerful performances in features based on real-life people, such as John Dillinger in Michael Mann's Public Enemies, Whitey Bulger in Black Mass, and LAPD detective Russell Poole (who investigated the murders of rappers Tupac and Biggie) in City of Lies. Depp also played Gellert Grindelwald in the first two Fantastic Beasts films; however, Mads Mikkelsen replaced him in the third movie due to the domestic violence allegations against Depp.
Of course, Johnny Depp's public image has drawn controversy due to his drug and alcohol use, his physical confrontations with others, and his erratic relationship with Amber Heard. Despite still having a large fan base, many believe that he will struggle to be part of movie projects from major Hollywood studios again, which is why Depp is focused on smaller but effective dramas like Minamata.
La Favorite may be the right comeback movie for the actor in order to continue to show his dramatic range as a performer, along with his charisma and speaking in French. Depp is also planning to return to the director's chair and work on another period drama called Modigliani, a movie based on Italian painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani (who primarily worked in France), which Depp will co-produce with acting icon Al Pacino. (The two previously worked together on the gangster film Donnie Brasco.) Depending on how audiences react to Depp's recent projects and his public persona, a strong dramatic feature may be a step in the right direction.