Johnny Depp Returns to Hollywood in Day Drinker—Find Out What We Know So Far!

Johnny Depp is officially making his long-anticipated return to Hollywood with Day Drinker, an upcoming American action thriller that promises mystery, crime, and a star-studded cast. After several years away from major English-language productions following his high-profile legal battle with actress Amber Heard, Depp is stepping back into the spotlight in a major way.

Day Drinker brings Depp together with Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline, two powerhouse talents who add even more anticipation to the project. Directed by Marc Webb, known for films like 500 Days of Summer and the Amazing Spider-Man series, and written by Zach Dean (The Gorge, Deadfall), the film is positioned as an intense, character-driven thriller set against a striking backdrop.

According to the official plot logline from IMDb, Day Drinker follows “an enigmatic stranger” (Depp) who forms an unlikely bond with a grieving bartender (Cline) after the loss of her lover, intertwining their lives in unexpected ways. A second synopsis from Movie Insider adds more detail: the story unfolds aboard a cruise ship, where daytime drinking leads to conversations that soon spiral into a dark web of crime and hidden connections. Penélope Cruz plays Cara Lauzzana, a criminal figure who crosses paths with Depp and Cline’s characters.

The project began principal photography on April 14, 2025, with filming locations set in Spain’s picturesque Tenerife region in the Canary Islands, including scenes at the stunning Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz. Director Marc Webb expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s setting and story, telling Variety, “We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell. This is gonna be fun.”

In addition to Depp, Cruz, and Cline, the cast includes rising Spanish stars Manu Ríos (Elite), Juan Diego Botto (On the Fringe), Anika Boyle (Made in Caravan), and Arón Piper (Muted, Elite), promising an exciting blend of international talent. Day Drinker also marks a reunion for Depp and Cruz, who previously shared the screen in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Murder on the Orient Express, and Blow.

The film is produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee from Thunder Road, alongside Depp’s own IN.2 FILM banner, with 30WEST executive producing. Lionsgate will handle distribution.

As of now, Day Drinker does not have an official release date, but with production underway and the star power attached, anticipation is steadily building. For Depp’s fans and film enthusiasts alike, Day Drinker represents not just a thrilling story but a major milestone in the actor’s career resurgence—one that many have been eager to witness.