With Johnny Depp approaching his 60th birthday, there have been ongoing discussions about his position in Hollywood. That is, there are doubts regarding whether the renowned actor will be able to maintain his stronghold, especially given his fragile position in the industry right now.
Given his noteworthy entry into international cinema evident in the release of the film, Jeanne Du Barry, on Tuesday has proven that there’s still a chance for Depp to retain his career. Despite the feminists’ protests around the plot, director Thierry Frémaux lauded Depp’s performance.
“If there’s one person who didn’t take interest in this trial, it’s me. I don’t know what it’s about. I’m interested in Johnny Depp as an actor. Everyone knew Johnny Depp was going to be in a film in France. He’s quite extraordinary in the film. Ask Maïwenn why she cast him.”
The film is special as it marks Depp’s on-screen appearance after a long period. But he is not ready to stop here, as the Pirates of the Caribbean star is also set to appear in the upcoming Modigliani biopic, Modi, alongside another well-known name in the industry, Al Pacino. But the question remains, will he ever acquire prominence in Hollywood?
Even though his settlement in Europe and foray into the world of international cinema might lessen his popularity in North America, Depp’s talent agents have come up with two areas the actor needs to work on which would help him regain his position in the industry.
His agents spoke of how an improvement in behavior might be beneficial. Over the years, Depp earned the reputation of being unprofessional on set, which also includes occasional displays of bad behavior in the past.
“People are ready to forgive him. Like Nic Cage and Robert Downey Jr., they have been flawed human beings but are endearing actors. Nic and Downey earned their redemption and it looks like Johnny is in the process of doing that, too… He would have a better chance of working in U.S. films if people can feel for certain that his bad behavior on sets isn’t going to happen again. And I’m not sure studios are sure that he’s going to be more professional at this point but they’re probably curious. If he gets a good report from the French film, that will help.”
His talent agent also said that an improvement in his appearance can be another game-changer for Depp’s lucrative Hollywood career.
“He also would have a better chance of working in the U.S. if he looked a little better. He looks bloated and unhealthy in the few photos I’ve seen of him recently — he doesn’t look like a movie star to me. If he gets in great shape and if he’s professional (on time, knows his lines, etc.) on the films he works on now, I think Hollywood will cast him in leads again.”
The suggestions aside, age is believed to be a major obstruction in his path to fame. On this subject, the 59-year-old actor has been advised by Larry Gross to choose his roles carefully as a leading male protagonist in Hollywood at this moment might not be the smartest decision.
Notwithstanding the dwindling stardom, his career is far from over, thanks to his well-known production company Infinitum Nihil and a $20 million partnership with Dior. But fans will want to see if Depp will heed the advice and once again return to the industry.
