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Celebrities

What will Johnny Depp do next? He’s set for a career comeback amid rumours of Beetlejuice 2 and Pirates of the Caribbean film returns, his Dior luxury endorsements and new music with Jeff Beck

STORYFaye Bradley
Johnny Depp joined Jeff Beck on stage last week. What will he do next? Photo: PA
Johnny Depp joined Jeff Beck on stage last week. What will he do next? Photo: PA
Fame and celebrity

  • Hollywood rumours already connect the Edward Scissorhands star with Disney’s sixth Pirates film and with Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice 2, where he could act with ex Winona Ryder
  • Depp is also working on historical drama Jeanne du Barry and trying a music career with guitarist Jeff Beck, while Amber Heard will appear in Aquaman 2 with Jason Momoa in 2023

After six weeks of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard court case headlines, the verdict is in: both are liable for defamation in their lawsuits against each other. Although Depp was awarded millions more than his ex-wife (US$10 million compensation and US$5 million in punitive damages), Heard will also be paid US$2 million in compensatory damages.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard seen in 2011 at the European premiere of their film The Rum Diary. Photo: AFP
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard seen in 2011 at the European premiere of their film The Rum Diary. Photo: AFP

It is a far cry from Depp’s initial US$50 million claim, let alone Heard’s US$100 million demand; the Aquaman actress has already confirmed she will appeal the verdict, per NBC. Meanwhile, the grateful Pirates of the Caribbean star reacted in a statement, saying “the jury gave me my life back”.

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Johnny Depp arrives at the courtroom in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 16. Photo: AP Photo
Johnny Depp arrives at the courtroom in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 16. Photo: AP Photo

Now that the defamation trial has ended and both Hollywood actors will – hopefully – move on with their lives and careers, it raises the question, what’s next for Depp?

His music career

Johnny Depp performs alongside guitarist Jeff Beck at the Royal Albert Hall in London, on May 22. Photo: PA Media/dpa
Johnny Depp performs alongside guitarist Jeff Beck at the Royal Albert Hall in London, on May 22. Photo: PA Media/dpa

He is famous for his films, but less well-known is Depp’s long-time aspiration to be a rock star. With the tumultuous trial over, he’s set to release an album in July together with guitarist Jeff Beck. In anticipation of the launch, he’s already appeared with Beck at several live shows in the UK. Rock on.

Pirates of the Caribbean rumours

Johnny Depp with Penélope Cruz in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Photo: Walt Disney Studios/Motion Pictures
Johnny Depp with Penélope Cruz in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Photo: Walt Disney Studios/Motion Pictures

Reports have labelled the ruling a legal victory for the acclaimed actor after Heard’s accusation of domestic violence. Nevertheless, it won’t be all smooth sailing for either star after the long cycle of media drama following on from their divorce.

After rising to worldwide fame through the Pirates franchise and other films, Depp was cut off from the sixth film in the Disney saga after Heard released her op-ed in The Washington Post alluding to domestic abuse. However, a former Disney executive told People, they “absolutely believe” the team will bring the star back on board. “There is just too much potential box-office treasure for a beloved character deeply embedded in the Disney culture.”

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