Without getting into details about the ugly nature of the legal battles between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, suffice it to say, it’s had a major effect on the careers of both involved. For Heard, she’s still been starring in major films, most notably “Aquaman” and the upcoming sequel ‘The Lost Kingdom,’ but she’s been the subject of intense hate from Depp fans and has had multiple social media campaigns against her to get her fired from projects. For Johnny Depp, the fallout of the lawsuits has seen him lose acting jobs and become de facto blacklisted from major studio film work. In a new interview, Depp calls this a “boycott” from Hollywood.
Speaking to The Times, Depp talked about the repercussions of his lawsuits involving Amber Heard, where both parties claim physical and emotional abuse against each other. (Seriously, do a Google search to read the disgusting details, if you’re curious.) You see, lately, Depp is talking about his career as it pertains to his new film, “Minamata,” which tells the tragic real story of people who were poisoned by chemicals in the water that were dumped by a big corporation in the 1950s. The film, which debuted at last year’s Berlin Film Festival, has been struggling to find distribution after the original studio behind it, MGM, pulled out due to the Johnny Depp factor. This led to one of Depp’s representatives writing an open letter to the studio demanding the film get its due. As of now, MGM isn’t relenting. Thus, Depp said, he is boycotted.
READ MORE: ‘Minamata’: A Timely Reminder Of Industrial Greed & Johnny Depp’s Talent [Berlin Review]
“We looked these people in the eyeballs and promised we would not be exploitative. That the film would be respectful,” said Depp about “Minamata.” “I believe that we’ve kept our end of the bargain, but those who came in later should also maintain theirs.”
He added, “Some films touch people. And this affects those in Minamata and people who experience similar things. And for anything . . .For Hollywood’s boycott of, erm, me? One man, one actor in an unpleasant and messy situation, over the last number of years? But, you know, I’m moving towards where I need to go to make all that . . .To bring things to light.”
As mentioned, Depp isn’t without his defenders. He has some of the most loyal (and somewhat vicious) fans online. They’re relentless and steadfast in their support of Depp, as well as their dislike of Amber Heard. And according to the actor, he believes they’re just after the “truth.”
“They have always been my employers,” Depp said. “They are all our employers. They buy tickets, merchandise. They made all of those studios rich, but they forgot that a long time ago. I certainly haven’t. I’m proud of these people, because of what they are trying to say, which is the truth. The truth they’re trying to get out since it doesn’t in more mainstream publications. It’s a long road that sometimes gets clunky. Sometimes just plain stupid. But they stayed on the ride with me and it’s for them I will fight. Always, to the end. Whatever it may be.”
Though he doesn’t have anything currently on his acting slate, with WB forcing him out of “Fantastic Beasts 3” and no studio seemingly ready to hire him for a project, Depp is optimistic about the future. He sees the next few years as a restart, of sorts, to his career, and said, I look forward to the next few films I make to be my first films, in a way.”
“Minamata” is currently getting a release in European territories currently. However, a full release in North America has yet to be announced.