Hide your mistresses and try not to flip your powdered wig because the first image of Johnny Depp as King Louis XV for Maïwenn’s Jeanne Du Barry has been unveiled. The photo hails from France’s Why Not Productions and shows Depp in regal clothing, an intimidating hat, and white, curly locks cascading down his back. A black blindfold is fastened around his eyes, making him blind to his corruption.
Maïwenn directs the feature in addition to co-starring as Louis XV’s courtesan lover. Filming began in July in locations ranging from Versailles and other chateaux in Paris to the Why Not studio. Jeanne Du Barry is Depp’s first production in three years and is bound to cause quite the stir upon release. Depp recently won his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard and is back rebuilding his Hollywood reputation. While some filmmakers continue to see Depp as box office poison, Maïwenn is confident he will deliver a top-tier performance in the upcoming film.
During his time, Louis XV reigned for 59 years, the longest in the history of France after that of Louis XIV. Though he was nicknamed “the beloved,” King Louis XV died as an unpopular ruler after being accused of corruption and debauchery. Depp has not appeared in a major film since Andrew Levitas’s 2020 film Minamata.
Deadline reports that Maïwenn’s film is loosely inspired by the life of Jeanne du Barry, Louis XV’s last royal mistress at the Court of Versaille, after Madame de Pompadour. Left to the mercy of an uncaring society since birth, Jeanne du Barry defied odds and struggled to survive on her way to becoming the object of Louis XV’s affections. Unaware of Jeanne Du Barry’s status upon falling in love, Louis XV spit in the face of tradition to keep her close and rise through the ranks of society.
In addition to Depp and Maïwenn, the films also stars Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, Noémie Lvovsky, Pascal Greggory, and India Hair.
You can check out the full image of Depp as King Louis XV below:
What do you think about Depp’s look for Maïwenn’s next film? Are you excited about Depp returning to the silver screen? Let us know in the comments below.