Al Pacino Opens Up About His ‘Wild’ Friendship with Johnny Depp: ‘He’s Wonderful’

Al Pacino and Johnny Depp’s friendship spans decades, beginning with their 1997 collaboration on Donnie Brasco and most recently reigniting on the set of Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness in 2024. In a candid interview promoting his debut memoir Sonny Boy, Pacino opened up about their unique bond, describing Depp as “wild” and “wonderful” while shedding light on the deep, if occasionally distant, friendship they’ve maintained over the years.

A ‘Wild’ and ‘Creative’ Partnership

At 84 years old, Pacino’s reflections on Depp, now 61, convey both admiration and a sense of playful camaraderie. “He is a wild fella and he is very creative, and it was fun to work with him. It really was,” Pacino said, highlighting Depp’s dynamism and creativity. Their connection is evident in the ease with which they relate to each other, with Pacino sharing that Depp once remarked, “Here we are. A couple of toddlers.” This lighthearted comment encapsulates the genuine comfort and humor that underpins their friendship.

However, Pacino also acknowledged the challenges of maintaining such close bonds in a demanding industry. He admitted that they “rarely see each other” and hadn’t met in person for years before working on Modi. Still, the strength of their relationship endures. “It’s real. There’s a special category,” Pacino said, underscoring the authenticity of their connection despite the time and distance that sometimes separates them.

Reuniting on Modi

Their recent collaboration on Modi not only brought the two back together but also showcased their continued professional chemistry. Pacino starred in the film and co-produced it, while Depp stepped into the director’s chair. Based on Dennis McIntyre’s play about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, Modi marks the first major project the pair has worked on since Donnie Brasco nearly three decades ago.

Speaking about the project, Pacino noted the film’s unique appeal, describing it as having its “own charm and stuff.” Reflecting on Depp’s involvement, he recalled saying, “Johnny’s great for it,” signaling his enthusiasm and confidence in Depp’s directorial vision. The collaboration appears to have been a fulfilling experience for both, further cementing their longstanding mutual respect and creative partnership.

A Friendship That Endures

Though their professional reunions have been infrequent, the bond between Pacino and Depp remains steadfast. Pacino’s comments illustrate a relationship built on genuine admiration and shared creativity. As Pacino reflects on aging and the personal losses that come with a long career in Hollywood, his connection to Depp stands out as a meaningful constant. “I have a few people like that that I can say, ‘They’re my friends,’” Pacino remarked, highlighting the significance of their enduring friendship in a world that often feels transient.

In Modi, as in their earlier collaboration, Pacino and Depp have found a way to blend their distinct talents into something greater. Their friendship, described by Pacino as both “wild” and deeply real, continues to thrive both on and off-screen, offering a rare glimpse into a connection that has withstood the test of time.