Netflix Signs Johnny Depp For First Role Since The Trial

Until a few days ago, the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard libel trial felt like a distant memory. After all, Heard was found liable in all three matters raised but the saga continues once again as Heard is seeking for a judge to overturn the verdict. This is all to do with comments Depp made about his role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

It’s a confusing affair. First, Depp claimed he was dropped by Disney but then he seemed to suggest that he left the franchise on his own accord. Later, Depp then expressed a deep desire to return as Jack Sparrow. All in all, I’m not really sure what the truth is but many are interested in seeing what the actor gets up to next. Well, it looks like he’ll be teaming up with Netflix on a French project. Oui, vraiment.

Speaking of swash-buckling pirates, check out the brand new gameplay for Ubisoft’s upcoming Skull & Bones.

According to a Bloomberg report, Netflix is teaming up with Why Not Productions to bring period film La Favorite to subscribers. Directed by French actress Maiwenn Le Besco, La Favorite stars Depp as King Louis XV and details the relationship between Louis and his third mistress Madame Jeanne Bécu du Barry, who will be played by director Le Besco.

Incoming spoiler alert for French history: the once saucy affair ends with Louis beheading his mistress using the guillotine during the French revolution. The film is due to enter production this summer, with a tentative release date of 2023. Unfortunately though, Netflix currently only holds French licensing rights for the film, however their financial involvement could help the film gain a wider release.

Netflix has previously pledged itself to invest in more international projects, particularly thanks to the huge success of Squid Game. Earlier this year, the streaming service entered an agreement with several French cinema guilds, committing four percent of its annual net revenue to French and European features.