In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnny Depp discussed his departure from Hollywood and the upcoming film Modi (2024). The movie, which he directed, explores the complex life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani during turbulent times in war-torn Paris. During the conversation, Depp reflected on his career post-Amber Heard trial, noting that this new project marked a turning point in moving beyond his past controversies.
Modigliani’s turbulent life resonated with Depp, impacting his creative vision for Modi.
“Honestly, I can sit here this very second and think about all the hit pieces, and how everybody was against me, and yeah yeah yeah he is off the map … endless stuff,” Depp said. “I can remember it all. Went through it all. Some of it was not the most beautiful time, some of it was hilarious. Some of it was mad. The thing is, it simply just was, and it simply just is.”
Despite the lengthy defamation trial he waged against ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp said he doesn’t hold hatred for anyone.
“I don’t have any ill feelings toward anyone,” the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) star said. “I don’t have this great reserve of hatred, because hatred requires caring. Why carry that baggage?”
When asked about giving authentic performances amidst intense public scrutiny, Depp drew a comparison between his reputation and that of the late O.J. Simpson, who is widely viewed as having murdered his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman despite being found not guilty at trial.
“[Acting] is helpful in certain instances, especially when things are crumbling all around,” he explained. “It’s weird to be able to escape, not into a character, but it is good to be able to inhabit a character, and as everything is in your toolbox — some of that stuff can be used as available stimulus. Which is great. So yeah. Everything has been … it has really, it just is. And on some level, it is gonna be around, that kind of thing. It’s like OJ or something. But hey, it just happened. That’s all.”
