Depp's Return to Screen in French Drama 'Jeanne du Barry' Set for North American Release After Cannes Premiere.
The North American audience is gearing up to witness Johnny Depp's cinematic comeback, with Vertical securing the distribution rights to his first film in three years.
Johnny Depp's French Movie
Johnny Depp enthusiasts will soon be treated to his first cinematic appearance in a three-year span.
Vertical, on Wednesday, confirmed its acquisition of North American distribution rights for 'Jeanne Du Barry,' a French-language film. This marked the opening of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and served as a striking return for Depp, post his contentious defamation lawsuit involving ex-spouse Amber Heard.
Premiering at Cannes and releasing simultaneously in France on May 17, the film brought in $2.56 million during its initial week at the French box office. According to a press release, this signified the best ten-year opening for a movie that debuted at the international film festival.
Authored and directed by French auteur Maïwenn, the film features Depp portraying Louis XV, the French ruler from September 1715 until his demise in 1774. Maïwenn herself plays Jeanne Vaubernier, a working-class woman who utilizes her allure to rise from her destitute circumstances. She eventually ensnares the king who, upon meeting her, "rekindles his zest for life and believes he can no longer exist without her," as per the official movie description.
The narrative further highlights the ensuing scandal when Louis XV makes Jeanne his final official mistress. "The courtiers refuse to accept a commoner into their elite circle, creating an uproar at the court," the synopsis adds.