Johnny Depp’s Back Behind the Camera with Modì — And It Feels Like One Giant “Fk You” After Leaving Fantastic Beasts**

Johnny Depp’s Comeback — And He’s Not Playing It Safe

Let’s be honest: nobody thought Johnny Depp would be back directing movies this soon—or this defiantly.

This week, Depp turned heads in London at a special screening for Modì, his first time directing a feature film since 1997’s The Brave.

It’s been a wild few years for Depp. In 2020, he was asked to resign from the Harry Potter spinoff franchise Fantastic Beasts after losing his UK libel suit against The Sun newspaper, which branded him a “wife beater.”

Warner Bros. swapped him out for Mads Mikkelsen as dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, igniting an internet firestorm that still rages in some fandom corners.

Let’s be honest: nobody thought Johnny Depp would be back directing movies this soon—or this defiantly.

This week, Depp turned heads in London at a special screening for Modì, his first time directing a feature film since 1997’s The Brave.

It’s been a wild few years for Depp. In 2020, he was asked to resign from the Harry Potter spinoff franchise Fantastic Beasts after losing his UK libel suit against The Sun newspaper, which labeled him a “wife beater.”

And recently, Depp finally broke his silence about that firing in a new interview, saying bluntly:

“F‑‑‑ you. There’s far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt, you’re gravely mistaken.”

Why Modì Hits So Close to Home for Depp

Modì tells the story of Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani, known for his striking, elongated portraits and his reputation as a tortured genius who lived fast, loved hard, and died young.

Riccardo Scamarcio takes on the role of Modigliani, with heavy hitters like Al Pacino playing art collector Maurice Gangnat, and Stephen Graham rounding out the cast.

The film already created buzz at industry screenings during Cannes 2023, where insiders described it as “an emotional showcase with Depp’s surprisingly stylish direction.”

At the London screening, Depp was candid about why this story matters to him:

“Modigliani was misunderstood and judged harshly. He was surrounded by chaos—and still created beauty. That’s something I understand.”

Translation: Depp sees plenty of himself in Modigliani’s chaotic, misunderstood life.

And let’s face it — Depp’s been through his own personal and professional war zones. Choosing to tell Modigliani’s story feels deeply intentional, like an artistic middle finger to those who tried to write him off.

Post-Fantastic Beasts: Depp’s Reinvention on His Own Terms

Let’s not sugarcoat it: Johnny Depp’s career took a nosedive after leaving Fantastic Beasts. For a while, Hollywood seemed ready to write him off entirely.

But Depp isn’t just drifting back into movies — he’s reclaiming his narrative on his terms. Modì isn’t a safe studio blockbuster; it’s a passion project, a personal gamble, and a clear signal that Depp refuses to fade away quietly.

Since his wizarding exit, Depp played King Louis XV in Jeanne du Barry (2023), which premiered at Cannes and split critics but kept him firmly in headlines. He’s also attached to Day Drinker alongside Penélope Cruz, although details on that film remain hush-hush.

Meanwhile, fans who remained loyal through the Fantastic Beasts saga are flooding social media with posts like:

“This is the comeback story Hollywood didn’t see coming.”

And:

“Warner Bros. might regret cutting ties. Johnny looks unstoppable.”

Even those who remain skeptical can’t help but watch. Because if there’s one thing Depp knows how to do — it’s keep people talking.

Hollywood’s Watching — And So Is Everyone Else

Here’s the reality: Johnny Depp is either staging one of Hollywood’s most unlikely comebacks—or writing a footnote nobody asked for.

Modì could be a festival darling, a niche indie hit, or a forgotten art project. It’s too early to know. But one thing’s certain: Depp’s stepping behind the camera signals he’s far from finished—and he’s daring the industry to bet against him again.

And honestly? Whether you’re rooting for him or rolling your eyes, it’s impossible to look away.

Depp’s making damn sure his story isn’t over. And Modì might just be the loudest proof yet.

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