Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz to Reunite for Thriller ‘Day Drinker’ with Director Marc Webb

Lionsgate’s New Crime Drama Marks Depp’s Big Studio Comeback After Legal Battles

Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz will reunite on-screen in Day Drinker, an upcoming crime drama from Lionsgate, directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man). This marks the actors’ fourth collaboration, following Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express.

Initially reported in March, with Sydney Sweeney rumored to co-star alongside Depp, the film now takes shape as Depp’s first major studio project since the conclusion of his high-profile defamation trial against Amber Heard in 2022.

The story, penned by Zach Dean, centers around a cruise ship bartender and a mysterious day drinker whose seemingly random encounter spirals into a web of criminal intrigue. As secrets unravel, the two characters find themselves connected in unexpected ways.

The film is produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee (best known for the John Wick franchise), alongside Adam Kolbrenner and Dean, with 30West serving as executive producer. Lionsgate will oversee global distribution and promote the film at the American Film Market (AFM).

“This film brings together a wildly entertaining concept with unpredictable twists and turns,” said Adam Fogelson, Chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “With Marc Webb at the helm and Johnny and Penélope in the lead, Day Drinker promises to be a captivating cinematic ride.”

Depp, who was previously one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, faced professional setbacks after losing a 2020 libel case in the UK. This led to his removal from Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts franchise, where Mads Mikkelsen replaced him as Grindelwald. However, Depp made a comeback by winning a U.S. defamation case in 2022. Since then, he has appeared in indie projects like Minamata and City of Lies, along with the Cannes-premiering Jeanne du Barry.

Meanwhile, Cruz, fresh from her role in Michael Mann’s Ferrari alongside Adam Driver, will soon appear in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride, a reimagining of Frankenstein. Director Marc Webb is also gearing up for the release of Disney’s live-action Snow White, slated for March 2025.

With Day Drinker, Lionsgate aims to deliver an unpredictable crime drama, combining star power and gripping storytelling.