Johnny Depp Transforms Into King Louis XV in First Major Film Role in 3 Years

Johnny Depp will be playing the controversial King Louis XV in the upcoming French period drama "Jeanne du Barry," Deadline exclusively reported on Aug. 10. WhyNotProductions and France Télévisions unveiled a first look at Depp fully transformed into the royal in a new teaser image.

Per Deadline, the project will center on King Louis XV's last royal mistress, Jeanne du Barry, who was born into poverty but climbed her way up the social ladder by becoming the king's lover. French director and actor Maïwenn is not only directing the film, but also starring in it as the titular Barry. According to the publication, production for the movie kicked off on July 26 and spanned 11 weeks, shooting in multiple locations in France, including Versailles and Paris.

The film marks Depp's first major movie role in three years and since his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard concluded. On June 1, following three days of deliberation, Virginia's Fairfax County Circuit Court found Heard liable for defamation, NBC reported. The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Jurors also found Depp liable for defamation for one statement, so Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.

Following the verdict, Heard released a statement via Instagram. "The disappointment I feel today is beyond words," the actor wrote. "I'm heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband. . . . I'm sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American — to speak freely and openly."

Depp also released a statement of his own on his social media after the verdict. "Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people, who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were changed forever," he wrote. ". . . False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were brought against me . . . six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled."

"Jeanne du Barry" is expected to hit theaters in 2023 with an exclusive Netflix France release in 2024.