Johnny Depp‘s next movie will play a critical role in his Hollywood comeback. Before his highly publicized trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp was a reliable box office star. The Pirates of the Caribbean films, starring Depp as Jack Sparrow, have grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide. He also had prominent roles in hits like Alice in Wonderland and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

His career stalled after he lost a 2020 libel lawsuit over an article published by The Sun that alleged he ᴀssaulted Heard. However, Depp then filed a defamation lawsuit against Heard after she shared similar accusations in a 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post. The case went to trial in 2022, and the court ruled in Depp’s favor.

Following the attention-grabbing trial, many have wondered if Depp could make a comeback. The actor starred in 2023’s Jeanne du Barry, and is directing and starring in Modi, a biopic about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. However, his next high-profile role is in Day Drinker, and the film’s box office results may be indicative of what Depp’s comeback will look like.

Day Drinker’s Performance Could Determine Johnny Depp’s Hollywood Future

Day Drinker is Depp’s first prominent role since winning his 2022 trial against Heard. Directed by Marc Webb, the Lionsgate film stars him, Penélope Cruz, and Madelyn Cline. Depp plays a mysterious guest who meets a private yacht bartender, played by Cline. The pair then become entangled with a criminal figure (Cruz) and find unexpected connections between themselves.

While Modi is an important project for Depp, this is the first time since his trial that a major studio is taking a sH๏τ on the Sweeney Todd actor. Webb is an accomplished director, who has helmed hit films like 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man and 2009’s (500) Days of Summer. While his latest film, Snow White, bombed, he has created movies that appeal to large audiences.

The question is if audiences are willing to pay money to see a film that stars Depp. While he is a recognizable name, there is still a crowd that doesn’t want to see anything ᴀssociated with him. However, others are excited to see his comeback, especially after he won his trial. If Day Drinker is a hit, it could give studios more confidence in casting him in leading roles.

Fortunately, the film is also bolstered by a talented cast with Cline and Cruz. Cruz is an established talent, and Cline is a rising star whose inclusion could appeal to younger audiences. While there’s still a long way to go before Depp returns to blockbuster franchises like Pirates, Day Drinker could be the film that determines whether audiences are ready to embrace the actor again.