Johnny Depp’s comeback movie Jeanne du Barry finally gets a release date in the United States. A huge box office star thanks to roles in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice in Wonderland, Depp became embroiled in controversy due to his high-profile legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, and was declared persona non grata in Hollywood. But Depp indeed continues to work, and experienced a triumphant moment at last year’s Cannes Film Festival when his French period film received a 7-minute standing ovation, bringing the actor to tears.

Depp’s Jeanne du Barry indeed proved that the actor still has his fans in Europe, and now his American devotees get a chance to see him play Louis XV in the period drama, as the film has secured a May 5, 2024 release date in the U.S.. (via Variety). The film will enjoy an exclusive engagement on 500 screens.

Is Depp’s Jeanne du Barry Worth Seeing?

Set in pre-Revolutionary France, Jeanne du Barry stars Maïwenn (who also wrote and directed) as a social climber who uses her charm and intelligence to win the heart of Depp’s king Louis XV. The period drama shows how Jeanne’s relationship with Louis scandalizes the court, even as Jeanne’s affections bring new verve to the previously moribund monarch.

Depp is indeed very much a supporting actor in Jeanne du Barry, as the film focuses mainly on Maïwenn’s character, her rise through the social ranks and her divisive effect on the court. Depp’s acting can only be described as subdued, which may prove disappointing to those hoping for an energetic performance from the Jack Sparrow actor. The costumes and sets are very much the stars of the film, which was made on a relatively healthy budget of $22 million.

Jeanne du Barry does represent something of a comeback for Depp, given the film’s positive reception in France, but it remains to be seen if it will be embraced in America. The period movie is not really Depp’s show, but he does a competent job playing the aging king to star Maïwenn’s vivacious Jeanne. The movie may be worth checking out for arthouse devotees as well as the biggest Depp fans, but it will likely generate little buzz among casual filmgoers.