Pirates of the Caribbean Star Johnny Depp Personally Asked Director to Not Cast Him in New Movie as He’s from “The belly button of nowhere”
Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp surprised fans with a recent revelation about his latest movie role. Despite having led many great roles in the past, the star felt unqualified for it.
He even tried to convince the director otherwise! The role he was hesitant about is that of King Louis XV in the upcoming historical drama Jeanne du Barry, directed and produced by Maiwenn. It shows no matter how successful, everyone has their own doubts and insecurities to deal with.
Johnny Depp Asked Director to Skip His Casting Due to Low Confidence
Johnny Depp‘s recent honesty about his self-doubt is a great change from the usual Hollywood bravado. The three Oscar nominated star recently shared that he actually tried to persuade the director of his new film, Jeanne du Barry, to cast someone else for his role as King Louis XV. He felt a bit out of place, thinking his own background didn’t quite match the grandeur of the French monarch.
The 60-year-old felt as the “belly button of nowhere,” comparing himself to the lavish world of French royalty he had to portray. He told at the film’s U.K. premiere (via Variety):
“Because when Maiwenn and I first actually met and talked about the notion of me doing the film and playing Louis XV, the King of France — see that’s when instantly what happens in your brain is you instantly go back to Kentucky, where, like, everything is fried. So you realise that you’ve come from the bellybutton of nowhere and suddenly you end up playing the King of France. It made no sense to me, I tried to talk her out of it. But she wasn’t hearing it and she had great courage to take me into her cast.”
This light-hearted joke sheds light on the pressures that even seasoned actors like Depp can feel.
Also Read: Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean Was Almost Scrapped Because of 1 Flop Disney Movie
The actor’s unease with the role could actually be a sign of personal growth for him. After going through tough legal battles and facing public criticism, his willingness to step out of his comfort zone might indicate a new chapter in his career.
Jeanne du Barry is also a bit of a comeback for him, being his first big film role since 2020. Maybe Depp’s initial reluctance was a way for him to be more selective and pick projects that really challenge him creatively. It’s possible he’s focusing more on quality and growth rather than just taking any role that comes his way.
Johnny Depp Finds Joy in Jeanne du Barry Role Despite Challenges
Despite everything, Johnny Depp really enjoyed his time working on Jeanne du Barry. The Pirates of the Caribbean star spoke openly about playing King Louis XV. He told (via the same outlet), “I feel very lucky to have been offered the role – strangely, oddly, perversely lucky.”
The Kentucky native said in conclusion, “Whatever we did, whatever we experienced I think and I hope you’ll find it was well worth the agony of this kid trying to make a film for that length of time.”
Jeanne du Barry is releasing in the U.S. on May 2, 2024.
