Following the tumultuous yet triumphant conclusion of his defamation trial against Amber Heard in June 2022, Johnny Depp embarked on a new chapter of his life, reclaiming his career and personal freedom with renewed vigor. After celebrating the trial’s outcome in the UK, Depp joined his longtime friend and musical collaborator Jeff Beck for the European leg of Beck’s tour. Their performances, marked by Depp’s charismatic stage presence and guitar skills, were met with enthusiastic crowds, signaling a return to his roots as a musician. The tour provided a cathartic outlet, allowing Depp to reconnect with fans and express himself through music, a passion that predates his acting career.
In August 2022, Depp began filming Jeanne du Barry (originally referred to as La Favorite in some sources), a French historical drama directed by Maïwenn, where he portrayed King Louis XV. Filming took place in Paris and other historic locations in France, including the Palace of Versailles. Depp’s immersion in the role, delivered entirely in French, showcased his versatility and commitment to challenging projects. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, receiving a seven-minute standing ovation, a testament to Depp’s enduring appeal and talent. Critics praised his nuanced performance, noting his ability to convey the complexities of the aging monarch. The film marked a significant milestone in Depp’s career resurgence, proving his ability to lead major international productions despite the controversies of previous years.
Parallel to his acting, Depp continued his musical endeavors. After the European tour, he joined Jeff Beck for the American leg in October 2022. Their collaboration culminated in the release of the album 18, which featured a mix of original songs and covers, earning positive reviews for its raw energy and chemistry. Tragically, Jeff Beck passed away in January 2023, a profound loss for Depp, who described Beck as a mentor and brother. Depp dedicated several performances to Beck’s memory, including a series of shows with his band, Hollywood Vampires, alongside Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. The band toured Europe in the summer of 2023, further cementing Depp’s presence in the music world.
In addition to Jeanne du Barry, Depp took on a directorial project, Modi, a biopic about the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Announced in 2022, the film began production in late 2023, with Depp directing and producing through his company, Infinitum Nihil. The project, starring Riccardo Scamarcio as Modigliani and Al Pacino in a supporting role, reflected Depp’s passion for art and storytelling. Filming took place in Budapest and Italy, and Depp’s vision for the project emphasized Modigliani’s bohemian spirit and tumultuous life. The film, released in 2024, received mixed reviews but was praised for its bold aesthetic and Depp’s directorial ambition, marking his return to directing since his 1997 film The Brave.
Depp also expanded his artistic footprint through visual art. In 2024, he unveiled a new collection of artworks titled The Tarot Series, inspired by his life experiences and personal symbolism. The collection, exhibited in London and New York, included four pieces representing the tarot cards The Lovers, The Empress, The Emperor, and Strength. Proceeds from the sales, totaling over $1 million, were donated to charities, including the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and Great Ormond Street Hospital, continuing Depp’s history of philanthropy. A special preview event on September 30, 2024, attended by friends like Jim Jarmusch and Jerry Bruckheimer, highlighted his deep connection to the art world.
On a personal front, Depp maintained a private life, splitting his time between Los Angeles, France, and his private island in the Bahamas. His relationship with his children, Lily-Rose and Jack, remained a cornerstone of his life.
In 2023, he showed again with a promotional campaign for Dior’s Sauvage fragrance, where he continued as the face of the brand since 2015.
By 2025, Depp’s career was firmly back on track. He signed on for a new film project, a thriller titled The Carnival at the End of Days, directed by Terry Gilliam, marking another collaboration with the visionary filmmaker. The film, set for release in 2026, featured Depp as Satan in a satirical take on humanity’s final days, alongside Jeff Bridges and Adam Driver. The role promised to blend Depp’s penchant for eccentric characters with Gilliam’s surreal style, generating significant buzz among fans and critics.
Johnny Depp’s journey from the depths of personal and professional turmoil to a celebrated return to film, music, and art is a testament to his resilience and multifaceted talent. As he continues to explore new creative avenues, his fans eagerly await the next chapter of his storied career, confident that he will continue to surprise and inspire. Truly, Depp is not just surviving but thriving, living his life on his own terms.
Thanks and credits to Lizzy, Just_Me, and Jade for the original biography, and to the fans who continue to support Johnny Depp’s journey.
