Johnny Depp's Current State: Thriving Post Amber Heard Trial

It has been two years since Johnny Depp's well-known defamation trial with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

Recently, on April 15, the 60-year-old actor appeared on the red carpet outside the Curzon Mayfair theater in London to promote his latest film, Jeanne du Barry. Looking sharp in a black suit and gray overcoat, Depp showcased a new haircut and a slimmer physique. He happily interacted with fans, signing autographs and taking selfies.

Sources reveal in the latest issue of We magazine that the star has put that chapter of his life behind him and is looking forward to the future.

According to an insider, "Johnny is doing well." The father of two, who has children Lily-Rose, 24, and Jack, 22, with ex Vanessa Paradis, is currently spending a lot of time in the U.K. "He loves being in London. It feels like home to him. He's content and has a lot going on. He feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders."

Despite keeping a low profile, sources reveal that Johnny Depp has been extremely busy. After filming Jeanne du Barry, where he portrays King Louis XV in a French-language movie, he went on tour with his late friend, guitarist Jeff Beck. In May, he received a seven-minute standing ovation for Jeanne at Cannes and also toured with his band, the Hollywood Vampires.

According to a source, many people overlook the fact that Johnny is not just an actor, but also a talented artist in various ways.

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He took on the role of director for the film Modì in Budapest, marking his first time directing since The Brave in 1997. The movie focuses on a chaotic 72 hours in the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani and features Depp's former Donnie Brasco co-star, the iconic actor Al Pacino.

According to an insider, returning to directing has been a positive experience for him. They mentioned, "There are many moving parts involved in the project, but he is enjoying being back in the director's chair."

In his 2019 defamation suit against Heard, Depp claimed he had suffered significant financial losses, including missing out on a $22.5 million deal to star in the sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. This was due to Heard's 2018 op-ed in the Washington Post, where she identified herself as a public figure speaking out against domestic abuse.

As a result of a separate 2020 libel trial in the U.K. against The Sun, Depp was removed from the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The lawsuit was filed after the British newspaper labeled him a "wife beater" during his divorce from Heard.

Between 2018 and 2020, Johnny Depp's career seemed to be on hold as he only starred in three low-budget films that had limited releases in the United States.

In the spring of 2022, Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard had a highly publicized defamation court battle. Over the course of six weeks, the former couple made accusations of mental and physical abuse that they alleged occurred during their tumultuous 15-month marriage.

Depp sued Heard for $50 million but was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. On the other hand, Heard received $2 million in compensatory damages from her $100 million counterclaim against Depp.

According to a second source, Depp felt vindicated by the verdict. The insider mentioned, "Johnny feels like he has cleared his name and regained a lot of public support since the trial. He has moved on from the past events."

With Jeanne du Barry under his belt and his performance receiving positive reviews, Depp is now eager to tackle more projects.

According to the first source, Depp's opportunities are endless. He is open to any project that captures his interest, with no restrictions or boundaries. If something excites him, he will jump at the chance to be a part of it.

According to another source, Johnny Depp maintains a close friendship with his director buddy Tim Burton. The source described their relationship as being like brothers. Even though Depp was not invited back for future Pirates of the Caribbean movies after the fifth one, he and producer Jerry Bruckheimer are still on good terms.

In March, Bruckheimer announced plans for a reboot of the Pirates franchise. Although casting details have not been disclosed, the first source mentioned that there is a lot of interest from both studios and audiences in seeing more of Johnny Depp on screen.

The second source mentioned that Johnny is a natural performer who enjoys satisfying his fans. He feels grateful that so many people still support him.

In April, Maïwenn, the director of Jeanne du Barry, explained her previous remarks about the crew being "afraid" of Depp on set.

She explained that when she mentioned Johnny as 'scary,' she was referring to his charm, fame, and status as a star. She also admires him as a brilliant genius.

At the U.K. premiere of the film on April 15, Depp expressed feeling fortunate to have landed the role.

With Modì in postproduction, the first source mentions that Depp will have some free time before he starts promoting the film, which is being produced by his production company In.2.

According to an insider, Johnny plans to relax a bit this summer. He enjoys playing music, whether he's on tour or not, but he wants to take a break before his schedule gets busy again.

Depp is said to have a strong support system according to both sources. The first insider mentions that Johnny has a wonderful team who are there for him and truly care about his well-being.

Additionally, the second source reveals that the actor shares a close bond with his children Lily-Rose and Jack, with Lily-Rose following in her father's acting career.

"Johnny is a wonderful father," according to another source. "Both of his children love him very much, and the situation with Amber did not change their opinion of him."

For now, dating is not a top priority. "Johnny is not actively looking for someone to introduce him to anyone," the second source reveals. (Depp's last known relationship was with a lawyer he had worked with in the past.) "He is being more cautious this time and not rushing into anything like he did with Amber. He has learned from his past experiences."

Depp is not dating right now because he is very busy and feeling positive about his life. He has a lot of things that he is looking forward to.

You can watch Jeanne du Barry, ranked No. 6 in Apple’s pre-order chart, starting May 21st through On Demand services.

With reporting by Andrea Simpson

Editor's P/S:

Johnny Depp's journey since the defamation trial has been a testament to his resilience and determination. He has emerged from the shadows, showcasing a renewed sense of purpose and vigor. His latest film, Jeanne du Barry, marks a triumphant return to the spotlight, and his directorial debut with Modì highlights his versatility as an artist. Depp's passion for his craft and unwavering support from his loved ones have propelled him forward, inspiring hope and admiration among his fans.

Despite the challenges he has faced, Depp's spirit remains unbroken. He has learned valuable lessons from his past experiences and is approaching life with a newfound wisdom. His unwavering commitment to his work and dedication to his family demonstrate his strength of character and his determination to thrive in the face of adversity. Depp's journey serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, personal growth and redemption are possible.