The Johnny Depp Kiss Scene He Never Wanted You to See: Here’s Why It Was Cut

Johnny Depp has spent decades delivering memorable performances, from the eccentric Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean to the tender yet enigmatic Edward Scissorhands. But like any actor, not every on-screen moment has been met with equal enthusiasm. The question of which scene Depp “never wanted anyone to see” has long intrigued fans and film historians alike. And while the actor hasn’t spoken publicly about a particular scene he regrets, one story from Public Enemies (2009) sheds light on a moment that may have left Depp feeling less than thrilled.

The Awkward Public Enemies Kiss

In Public Enemies, Depp plays John Dillinger, the notorious Depression-era bank robber, opposite Carey Mulligan, who portrays Billie Frechette, Dillinger’s romantic interest. In an interview with The Graham Norton Show, Mulligan recounted how a kissing scene between the two was filmed numerous times but ultimately cut from the film. Her nervousness stemmed from being a long-time fan of Depp, which made the scene feel awkward. Mulligan herself described feeling so uncomfortable that it came across on camera, and director Michael Mann decided the footage didn’t make the final cut.

While Depp has never explicitly stated he didn’t want this scene shown, it’s easy to imagine why an actor might prefer such a moment—one where his co-star’s discomfort is apparent—never see the light of day. Depp, known for fully immersing himself in his characters, likely aims to project confidence and commitment in every frame. A scene that highlights unease, even if it wasn’t his own, could be something he’d rather the audience never witness.

Context Matters

Public Enemies, directed by Michael Mann, was a high-stakes project. With a cast that included Depp, Christian Bale, and Marion Cotillard, every scene was crafted to maintain the film’s gritty, atmospheric tone. A romantic moment that didn’t land the way it was intended could easily disrupt that carefully constructed world. For Depp, who often collaborates closely with directors and who values the integrity of his characters, the decision to leave out a scene that felt off may have aligned with his own preferences.

Other Potential Candidates

Beyond Public Enemies, one might speculate about other moments in Depp’s filmography that he might have preferred to keep hidden. Early in his career, Depp starred on 21 Jump Street, a role he famously grew to resent due to his heartthrob status. However, no specific scene from that series has been singled out as one he wanted “no one to see.” Similarly, while there have been reports of various deleted scenes from films like Platoon or Blow, none have been publicly associated with personal regret on Depp’s part.

Even Depp’s real-life controversies, such as his highly publicized legal battles, aren’t tied to movie scenes, and there’s no evidence that they influenced his view of his on-screen work. This reinforces the idea that the awkward Public Enemies kiss may be the closest we’ll get to identifying a scene Depp truly didn’t want anyone to see.

Conclusion

While Johnny Depp has yet to openly declare any particular scene he never wanted the public to witness, the story of the cut Public Enemies kiss offers a glimpse into a moment that perhaps didn’t sit well with him—if only because it failed to meet the high standards he and his collaborators set. As a consummate performer, Depp’s focus remains on delivering memorable, polished portrayals, and when a scene doesn’t align with that vision, it’s natural that he’d prefer it remain unseen.