Over the past several years, Johnny Depp has been the subject of a number of controversial reports, most of them stemming from his alleged erratic behavior on set and the accusations of abuse from his ex, Amber Heard. Since then, he’s been persona non grata in major Hollywood productions, which included being fired from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise. But with his new film, “Jeanne du Barry,” debuting as the Opening Night film at Cannes, it would appear the actor is mounting a comeback. But in his mind, it’s actually the exact opposite. You see, Johnny Depp doesn’t believe he ever went away and doesn’t need Hollywood anymore.
Speaking at the Cannes press conference (via THR) accompanying the world premiere of “Jeanne du Barry,” Johnny Depp was asked the obvious question about being boycotted from Hollywood. Obviously, there wasn’t some mandate written by Mr. Hollywood saying that Depp isn’t allowed to act in a film anymore, but it’s clear that the actor just isn’t getting the offers any longer. However, in regard to Hollywood, Depp doesn’t feel boycotted. In fact, he doesn’t even think about Hollywood.
“Did I feel boycotted by Hollywood? Well, you’d have to not have a pulse to feel at that point like this was all just a weird joke,” said Depp. “Of course, when you’re asked to resign from a film you’re doing because of something that’s merely a bunch of vowels and consonants floating in the air…Do I feel boycotted now? No, not at all. But I don’t feel boycotted because I don’t think about Hollywood. I don’t feel much further need for Hollywood — I don’t know about you.”
He continued, “It’s a very strange, funny time when everyone would love to be themselves, but they can’t because they must fall in line with the person in front of them. If you want to follow that line, be my guest. I’ll be on the other side.”
As for the accusations that came about during the very public defamation trial between Depp and Heard, the actor has remained steadfast in his denial of all the claims. And after he won his lawsuit, Depp feels even more emboldened to defend himself and call the allegations “fiction.”
“The majority of you who have been reading for the last five or six years, with regards to me and my life — the majority of what you’ve read is fantastically, horrifically written fiction,” he explained.
It’s unclear how “Jeanne du Barry” will affect Depp’s career. The first reviews coming from Cannes remain mixed, with our own giving the film a very low D- grade. So, as of now, it doesn’t appear that this film will revive his career. But then again, if you listen to Depp, his career doesn’t need reviving, and he’s doing just fine. So, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
