Johnny Depp looks unrecognizable as he returns to Hollywood for first time since Amber Heard trial to film new movie

Johnny Depp is starring in his first Hollywood studio movie since being asked to resign from Fantastic Beasts 3.

Depp starred in Jeanne du Barry following his legal proceedings with fellow actor and former partner Amber Heard, but it wasn't a Hollywood production. Directed by French filmmaker Maïwenn, with a primarily French cast and crew and filmed in Versailles, the film was the first project he was on after the Depp v Heard trial.

Day Drinker subsequently marks Depp's first studio movie since he was fired from Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in 2020. At the time, Warner Bros. asked the actor to resign after he lost his libel case against a British newspaper group of which one outlet labeled him a 'wife beater'.

The film tells the story of a bartender who works aboard a private yacht, bumping into a mystery onboard guest alongside a criminal figure. And the first pictures of the 61-year-old in his role have since been shared.

In the film, Depp stars as the mysterious onboard guest, the first image of him in character revealing the actor wearing a navy suit and light blue shirt.

The most striking element of the image is Depp's long, greying hair, tied back from his face, alongside his grey beard and bright blue eyes.

In his hand he holds a - shockingly, given the film's title - drink, and he also has a gold ring on his right hand pinky finger.

And it's not taken long for people to weigh in on his radically changed appearance.

An Instagram user wrote: "Did not realise that was Johnny Depp till I read the caption!"

"SILVER FOX status ACTIVATEd!!!!" Another added.

A third commented: "Welcome again!!!"

And a fourth resolved: "Based on what I Heard about the script and everything, this is gonna even more HUGE than it seems, such an awesome comeback, can't wait."

Depp is starring alongside Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline as well as Ferrari's Penélope Cruz, with Manu Ríos (Elite), Arón Piper (Elite), Juan Diego Botto (Good Behavior) and Anika Boyle (Made in Caravan) also reported by Variety as making up the cast.

The original screenplay was written by Zach Dean and Snow White's Marc Webb is directing.

Day Drinker is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, Adam Kolbrenner and Zach Dean and is reported as beginning production in Spain.

The film is currently anticipated for release sometime in 2026.