Embattled actorJohnny Deppwas greeted with lots of love at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The prestigious fest opened with a screening ofJeanne du Barry, the French film from director and co-star Maïwenn that features Johnny Depp as King Louis XV. It marks the first big role for Depp following years of legal quarreling with ex-wife Amber Heard which resulted in lost roles in lucrative franchises likePirates of the CaribbeanandFantastic Beasts. It’s clear from the response garnered by the film’s premiere that people are happy to see Depp back in action, as they gave the actor a seven-minute standing ovation to let him know.Video clips of Depp at the screening are also floating around on social media. He can be seen getting emotional in response to the applause. The actor can be seen waving to everyone and thanking them for the appreciation. PerVariety, you can watch footage of the ovation below.
Depp had also been greeted by fans when he arrived on the red carpet at the event. Some were close enough to get autographs while others could be heard shouting message of support for Depp. It’s a reaction that squashes the speculation that screening a Depp movie at the festival would be problematic, as he was embraced by thousands in attendance with open arms.
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Johnny Depp Stars in Jeanne du Barry
The trial between Depp and Heard was televised and received widespread media coverage at the time. Though Depp came out ahead at the end, as the jury ruled heavily in his favor, there remain some Heard supporters who condemn the actor continuing to get work. Cannes bossThierry Fremaux recently addressed that controversy, noting how he doesn’t think much of what people are saying about Depp in the United States.
“I don’t know about the image of Johnny Depp in the U.S.,” he said. “To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule, it’s the freedom of thinking, and the freedom of speech and acting within a legal framework.”
He added, “I’m the last person to be able to discuss all this. If there’s one person in this world who didn’t find the least interest in this very publicized trial, it’s me. I don’t know what it’s about. I also care about Johnny Depp as an actor.”
The film’s presence at the festival also created somewhat of an awkward moment with Brie Larson, one of the festival jurors at Cannes. AsJeanne du Barryis not in competition, it’s not required for the jurors to watch the movie. But as someone who was known for her involvement in the #MeToo and Time’s up campaigns, Larson was asked if she would be watchingJeanne du Barry, and she didn’t really have a clear answer.
“You’ll see, I guess, if I will see it,“Larson explained. “And I don’t know how I’ll feel about it if I do.
Jeanne du Barryis screening in France. After a 15-month window, it will be made available for streaming on Netflix France. Release information for other territories hasn’t yet been announced.
