Johnny Depp Calls The Libertine His Most ‘Exhausting’ Role—Here’s Why It Nearly Broke Him

Johnny Depp is no stranger to the spotlight, having built a career that has grossed over $8 billion worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most financially successful and versatile actors in Hollywood. From Pirates of the Caribbean to Edward Scissorhands, Depp’s unique ability to bring complex, multifaceted characters to life has made him an indelible figure in the film industry. Yet, not every project has come easily, and some of his roles have required intense emotional and physical dedication—The Libertine (2005) is one such film.

In The Libertine, Depp took on the challenging role of John Wilmot, the 2nd Earl of Rochester, a 17th-century poet and courtier at the court of King Charles II. The film, directed by Laurence Dunmore, focuses on the decadent and often tragic life of Wilmot, known for his satirical poetry and notorious hedonistic lifestyle. Depp’s performance alongside notable actors such as Samantha Morton, John Malkovich, and Rosamund Pike would prove to be both rewarding and grueling.

In a candid interview with the BBC, Depp described The Libertine as “an amazing experience” but also one that “took its toll on him.” He admitted that the production was “exhausting on every level,” highlighting the intensity of the shoot. “We were given a limited amount of time to shoot the film, and the screenplay itself is an epic biography of the guy in a very short period of time,” Depp explained.

The pressure of fitting an expansive life into a short shooting schedule led to demanding days on set. Depp recalled that at times he was required to shoot “eight to ten pages of very emotional spiel” in a single day, a feat that would drain even the most seasoned actors. Playing Wilmot, a character notorious for his destructive and indulgent behaviors, was no small task. Depp described him as someone “who basically drank himself to death and shagged himself to death,” which added a layer of complexity to the portrayal.

In preparation for the role, Depp immersed himself in research, even visiting the British Library in London to study Wilmot’s personal letters. What he discovered was a man far more complicated than the public’s perception. “He was a deeply caring father; deeply caring husband; wrote deeply moving letters to the women in his life,” Depp noted. “But he was just deeply plagued with, and tormented by, pains in his life.” This duality—Wilmot’s tender relationships contrasted with his self-destructive tendencies—provided Depp with the emotional depth needed to portray him authentically.

Despite Wilmot’s “tarnished image,” Depp’s goal was clear: to bring the man to life with the respect and complexity he deserved. “All I wanted to do was bring to life a guy that I had read about and tried to do him some justice,” Depp stated, reflecting on the challenge of playing such a controversial historical figure.

While the film was a tough experience for Depp, he was quick to praise the director, Laurence Dunmore, who was making his directorial debut. Depp was impressed by Dunmore’s work ethic and his ability to immerse himself in the gritty aspects of filmmaking. “He just got as dirty as anyone, getting down in the mud, operating, shooting, bringing it all together,” Depp said. “He’s a real force. We still talk at least once a week and are actively looking for more stuff to do together. I think he’s a brilliant filmmaker.”

The Libertine may not have been a major box-office success, but it remains a testament to Depp’s commitment to his craft. The role of John Wilmot was one of the most physically and emotionally taxing of his career, requiring him to explore the depths of human frailty and excess. For Depp, it was an opportunity to challenge himself and deliver a performance that honored a deeply flawed, yet fascinating, historical figure. Despite the exhaustion it caused, The Libertine stands as a defining moment in Depp’s filmography, demonstrating his dedication to his craft and his willingness to go to great lengths to bring a character to life.