When Johnny Depp walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival last week, the once-beloved legend was greeted with the kind of skepticism that fest-goers usually reserve for the most experimental.
Depp, of course, has been very divisive in recent years, and while he still has a lot of fans, his attempt to make a comeback may be DOA due to heavy criticism from activist groups.
Although Depp wins his defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard last year, the case had shocking reasons for the brutality of both sides, and many viewers were left with the impression that Johnny’s history was successful.
And of course, a younger star – especially one pushing 60, as Depp is – is unlikely to be given a second chance.
But Depp did more of money to many powerful people over the years, and most importantly, he has accumulated artistic skills and many years of dangerous positions.
Therefore, after the crisis of 2022, Depp was cast as Louis XV in the French period from the controversial director Maïwenn.
And before returning to the red carpet, Johnny’s glam squad pulled out all the stops.
“He was cleansed,” source close to the situation tells Page Six.
Depp’s approach to grooming is relaxed, but insiders say that wasn’t the case at Cannes, where he worked daily with a team of “highly paid professionals” led by his former stylist Samantha McMillen.
McMillen has a long list of celebrity clients that includes Brie Larson, a Cannes judge who reportedly opposed Depp’s participation in this year’s festival.
There is no word on whether Larson will continue to work with McMillen after learning that he is helping Depp rehabilitate his image.
For the most part, that effort seems to be working.
Depp received seven minutes of applause at Cannes, and recently signed a $20 million deal with Dior.
On television, however, Depp’s return was received only partially, as many focused on the signs of the actor’s neglect of health and hygiene.
“Johnny Depp’s teeth are really rotting,” one fan tweeted alongside the actor.
“Johnny Depp’s new movie, #JeanneDuBarry, debuts at 51 metacritic, F rating,” another tweeted, adding:
“The goals here are as yellow as his teeth. Good luck!
“Why do I have to see close-ups of johnny depp’s teeth against my will,” asked a third.
“johnny depp looks like someone grabbed his teeth and painted them black,” said a fourth, while a fifth said:
“Seeing a picture of Johnny Depp’s teeth on my head just blew my mind. Twitter is enough for me.”
Needless to say, it looks like Depp’s movie days may be behind him.
Critics may be disappointed that they are facing any trouble – but they can take heart in knowing that the affected star is unlikely to appear again in Hollywood blockbusters.