Johnny Depp at Cannes: 'I Don't Have A lot Further Requirement for Hollywood'

 Johnny Depp, the renowned actor who hasn't appeared in a major Hollywood film for the past five years, made headlines during a news conference at the Cannes Film Festival where he discussed his latest movie, "Jeanne du Barry," a French-language drama. However, the conference didn't start smoothly as both the film's actress-director, Maïwenn, and Depp himself were notably absent, sparking speculations about their intentions.

It seemed as though they were trying to avoid potential questions related to their personal controversies. Maïwenn had been accused of spitting on a journalist in February, while Depp had recently won a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, who had accused him of physical and sexual abuse. These scandals threatened to overshadow any discussion about the movie they were supposed to promote. Although both were present at the previous night's premiere of "Jeanne du Barry," where customary adulation and a standing ovation prevailed, facing the press posed a different challenge altogether.

Depp, who has been absent from major Hollywood productions for half a decade, had already missed the morning photo call for "Jeanne du Barry." Consequently, Maïwenn appeared alone for that event, and even after 25 minutes of delay, Depp was still nowhere to be found when the press conference commenced.

Initially, Maïwenn evaded questions about Depp's absence, instead revealing that she had initially offered the role to several French actors who declined. Eventually, she turned to Depp, considering his nationality less crucial than her other requirements, stating, "I wanted to feel strongly about the actor, particularly as I would be hugging and kissing him later on."

The questions directed at Maïwenn were kept to a minimum, intentionally avoiding queries about her confrontation with French journalist Edwy Plenel, who claimed that Maïwenn had spit on him in a Paris restaurant—an incident she more or less confirmed. Plenel had been investigating multiple claims of sexual abuse against director Luc Besson, who fathered a child with Maïwenn when she was just 16. (Besson denied the allegations made by nine women, and after an inquiry, the French authorities decided not to press charges. Cannes serves as a stark reminder that nearly every prominent figure in the French film industry has a notable "controversy" section on Wikipedia.)

However, the focus soon shifted to Depp when he arrived 42 minutes late, eliciting murmurs of disapproval from the journalists. He proceeded to kiss Maïwenn on the top of her head before taking his place at the podium.

Depp, speaking mostly in metaphors and low murmurs, initially discussed the requirements of the French-language role. However, he was soon asked whether he believed that Hollywood had blacklisted him after being removed from the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise in 2020 when his legal battles with Heard escalated.

"Of course, if you're asked to resign from a film you're working on because of nothing more than a collection of vowels and consonants floating in the air, then yes, you feel boycotted," Depp responded. "Do I feel boycotted now? No, not at all. But I don't think about being boycotted by Hollywood. I don't have a strong desire for Hollywood anymore."

The 59-year-old actor continued, "It's a very peculiar and amusing time where everyone would love to be able to express themselves freely, but they can't. They are obliged to conform to the person standing in front of them. If you wish to lead that kind of life, I wish you all the best. I'll be somewhere else on the other side."

Depp's presence at the festival has generated significant controversy. Although he was cheered at the premiere