Johnny Depp’s first look in Maiween’s upcoming French historical romance, Jeanne du Barry, is now out. Depp plays Louis XV, the controversial French monarch, in the film.
Jeanne du Barry will mark Depp’s first feature film role in three years, after the turbulent defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard. After the trial ended and the court passed a verdict in Depp’s favor, the actor started shooting again for the French period drama.
The film is based on the life of the titular courtesan, Jeanne du Barry. Jeanne began as a young working-class woman who managed to climb the social ladder by virtue of her charms, eventually falling in love with Louis XV. The two had a passionate romance, which forms a significant part of the film.
Director Maiween herself will portray the titular courtesan in the film, along with Depp starring as the controversial French monarch. Other cast members include Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, Noémie Lvovsky, Pascal Greggory, and India Hair.
The makers finally revealed the first look of Johnny Depp in Jeanne du Barry as King Louis XV. The image depicts Depp as Louis XV in a signature regal attire, colorful embroidery, a fuzzy hat, and a powdered wig.
Interestingly, the actor is wearing a black blindfold over his eyes. This could be something to do with the film’s plot, which we do not know about yet, or be symbolic of his blind faith in himself and ignorance towards his corruption and injustice.
Before Jeanne du Barry, Depp starred in Minamata in 2020, before the court case began. Later that year, he was removed from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after he lost a libel case in the UK against a tabloid, The Sun, which called him a “wife beater.”
Depp playing the role of Louis XV also partially mirrors his real-life situation. The French king was universally loved during his reign until he faced a major fall from his position after being accused of corruption and injustice.
Time will tell whether Jeanne du Barry turns out to be a stellar comeback for Johnny Depp or not. The makers have not yet announced an official release date for Jeanne du Barry.
About Jeanne du Barry
Jeanne du Barry is a French-language historical romance produced by France’s Why Not Productions and directed by Maïwenn Le Besco, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Teddy Lussi-Modeste.
The film is based on the historical, real-life love story of the controversial French monarch Louis XV and his favorite mistress and courtesan, Jeanne du Barry. It’s an adaptation of the life of Jeanne du Barry, the last royal mistress in the Court of Versailles, and her scandalous journey to it.
Johnny Depp plays Louis XV while the director herself stars as the titular courtesan. Other cast members include Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, Noémie Lvovsky, Pascal Greggory, and India Hair. The film was released in France on May 16, 2023.
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