The French historical drama, which marks the 'Alice in Wonderland' actor's first movie since he won the defamation trial, will open the upcoming French film festival.
- April 6, 2023
AceShowbiz - Johnny Depp's movie comeback will receive a huge boost internationally. His new film "Jeanne du Barry", previously known as "La Favorite", is set to be an opener at the 76th edition of Cannes Film Festival.
Organizers of the French festival confirmed on Wednesday, April 5 that the historical drama will have its world premiere in the Palais on May 16. This year's edition of the festival will run until May 27.
Previously, Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City", Harrison Ford-starring "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" by Martin Scorsese have been announced to be screened at the upcoming festival. Meanwhile, "Strange Way of Life" by Pedro Almodovar is heading to the festival among its selection of short films.
In "Jeanne du Barry", Depp plays King Louis XV. The French language film, which is directed by Maiwenn Le Besco a.k.a. Maiwenn, follows the story of the King of France's last royal mistress Jeanne du Barry a.k.a. Jeanne Vaubernier. Maiwenn also stars as the titular character.
The film's official synopsis describes du Barry as "a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure, who uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one. She becomes the favourite of King Louis XV who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. They fall madly in love. Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court."
Le Pacte will distribute the film in France on the same day as Cannes' opening night, on May 16. A U.S. release date for the movie has not been announced.
"Jeanne du Barry" marks Depp's first acting role since he won the defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $350,000 in punitive damages after the jury found his ex-wife Heard guilty of defaming him. The same jury awarded $2 million to the "Aquaman" actress who made similar claims against Depp.
