Johnny's NEW LEASE on Life

Johnny Depp is finally back on the big screen. Sources share what he's been up to since his high-profile trial and what's next

- JAIME HARKIN

On April 15, Johnny Depp stepped onto the red carpet outside the Curzon Mayfair theater in London to promote Jeanne du Barry, his first feature film since 2020. After posing for some photographs, the actor - showing off a new haircut and a slimmed-down physique in a black suit and a gray overcoat - happily signed autographs and took selfies with fans.

It's been two years since Depp's highly publicized defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard. Sources tell Us the 60-year-old star has moved on from that chapter of his life and feels hopeful about his future. "Johnny is in a good place," says a source, noting that the father of two (he shares Lily-Rose, 24, and Jack, 22, with ex Vanessa Paradis) is spending most of his time in the U.K. these days. "He really feels at home in London," the source adds. "He's happy and busy. There's been a weight lifted."

PACKED SCHEDULE

While Depp has maintained a mostly low profile, sources tell Us he's been working nonstop. After shooting Jeanne du Barry (he plays King Louis XV in the French-language film), he hit the road with his late friend, guitarist Jeff Beck. He attended Cannes last May (where he earned a seven-minute standing ovation for Jeanne) and toured with his band, the Hollywood Vampires. "People forget that Johnny's not just an actor," the source adds.

"He's an artist in many ways." He went behind the camera to film Modì - his first time directing since his 1997 neo-western, The Brave-in Budapest. The upcoming film centers around a frantic 72 hours in the life of Italian Amedeo Modigliani and stars Depp's Donnie Brasco castmate, acting legend AI Pacino. "Being back in the director's chair is great for him," says the source, noting, "There are a lot of things happening at once."

CONTROVERSIAL TRIAL