Johnny Depp’s Hollywood Return Begins with ‘Day Drinker’ Production in Spain

LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2025 — Johnny Depp is set to make his Hollywood comeback with the commencement of filming for Day Drinker, directed by Marc Webb. Production began in Spain on Monday, marking a significant return for Depp, following his recent legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard.

Depp, 61, portrays a mysterious guest aboard a private yacht, where he crosses paths with the bartender played by 27-year-old Madelyn Cline. A thrilling storyline unfolds as they become entangled with a criminal figure, portrayed by Penélope Cruz.

“I’m excited to be starting production with Johnny, Madelyn, Penelope, and this incredible cast,” Webb said in a statement. “We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. This is gonna be fun.”

Alongside Cline and Cruz, Day Drinker features a diverse cast that includes Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle. The film aims to captivate audiences with its unique blend of drama and intrigue.

Notably, this project marks the fourth collaboration between Depp and Cruz, who previously worked together on films like Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express.

The production is backed by Lionsgate and is a joint venture with Thunder Road, the team behind the successful John Wick franchise. Producers Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, along with Adam Kolbrenner and Zach Dean, join forces to bring this anticipated film to life.

As part of the production team, director of photography Javier Aguirresarobe, production designer Jan Roelfs, and editor Doc Crotzer lend their expertise to ensure high-quality visuals and storytelling.

Depp’s return to major films comes after a period of reflection on his career. He previously expressed that the term “comeback” does not accurately describe his current situation. “I keep wondering about the word comeback because I didn’t go anywhere,” he said during a public appearance.

Lionsgate’s Chelsea Kujawa oversees the project, while the cast contracts for Ríos, Piper, Botto, and Boyle were handled by Dan Freedman. With a robust creative team and a compelling narrative ahead, Day Drinker is expected to draw significant attention from audiences and critics alike.