Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's legal battle saw their personal lives and indiscretions put on display for the entire world to see, effectively ruining each of their respective Hollywood careers. Depp's ex-wife has reportedly left the spotlight for a quiet life in Italy, while the Fantastic Beasts and Pirates of the Caribbean star has just made something of a comeback at Cannes.
While Depp was quick to laugh off talks of a resurgence and Hollywood return, the lengthy standing ovation the actor received at the film festival certainly appears to have opened the door to him stepping back into the spotlight.
Despite being accused of domestic abuse by Heard, he was victorious in their defamation battle and it appears Hollywood is ready to welcome him back into the fold.
IndieWire spoke to a number of agents, producers, and screenwriters about Depp following Jeanne du Barry's premiere, and it sounds like we could be about to see a lot more of him on our screens. However, there are some conditions.
"He would have a better chance of working in the U.S. if he looked a little better. He looks bloated and unhealthy in the few photos I’ve seen of him recently — he doesn’t look like a movie star to me," one insider said. "If he gets in great shape and if he’s professional (on time, knows his lines, etc.) on the films he works on now, I think Hollywood will cast him in leads again."
Another adds, "People have short memories. [I] think it will be same for Depp — unless he continues to be out of control during shooting. That has been a major black mark against him."
"He is a great actor so I think he is hirable. The question is what price," someone else tells the site. "My gut says 2-4 [million]. And I am sure the streamers would let him co-lead a series."
As of now, Depp doesn't have any acting roles lined up. While he was ousted from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, that series reached its end after the last instalment (which replaced Depp with Mads Mikkelsen) flopped. Could Disney add him to a future Pirates of the Caribbean movie? He's still featured in the theme park ride, so it's not outside the realm of possibility.
How would you feel about seeing Depp back in theaters on a regular basis?