The question on every fan's mind right now is what’s next for Johnny Depp on the big screen, and the answer involves a major pivot: a return to the director's chair and a starring role in a highly anticipated literary adaptation. As of December 2025, Depp’s career is entering a new, creatively ambitious phase, moving beyond his iconic character roles toward more focused, passion-driven projects. The biggest news is the confirmed North American release date for his directorial effort, *Modi*, a biographical drama set to hit theaters in November 2025. This, coupled with a major new acting and producing role, signals a definitive and exciting new chapter for the veteran actor and filmmaker. This article provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive breakdown of Johnny Depp’s confirmed and upcoming film projects, focusing on his new directorial vision, his recent European success, and the highly-anticipated English-language adaptation of a Russian classic.
Johnny Depp: Full Biography Profile
John Christopher Depp II, known professionally as Johnny Depp, is an American actor, musician, and filmmaker renowned for his eclectic and unconventional film choices.- Full Name: John Christopher Depp II
- Date of Birth: June 9, 1963
- Place of Birth: Owensboro, Kentucky, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor, Musician, Film Director, Producer
- Early Life: Depp dropped out of high school at age 15 to pursue a career in music, playing guitar in a local band called The Kids.
- Career Start: His acting career began in the 1980s after his then-wife Lori Allison introduced him to Nicolas Cage, which led to his debut in *A Nightmare on Elm Street* (1984).
- Breakthrough Role: He achieved teen idol status with the TV series *21 Jump Street* (1987–1990).
- Notable Collaborations: He is most famous for his long-standing collaboration with director Tim Burton, resulting in films like *Edward Scissorhands*, *Sleepy Hollow*, *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*, and *Sweeney Todd*.
- Iconic Role: He is globally recognized for his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the *Pirates of the Caribbean* film series, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination.
- Major Accolades: He is the recipient of a Golden Globe Award for *Sweeney Todd* and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He is a three-time Academy Award nominee.
- Filmmaking: Depp made his directorial debut with the 1997 film *The Brave*, and is making his major return to directing with the upcoming film *Modi*.
The 3 Major New Johnny Depp Movies and Projects Coming Out
Johnny Depp’s upcoming slate of projects is a deliberate shift toward European and independent cinema, highlighting his passion for directing and producing alongside his return to acting. These three projects represent the core of his current professional focus.1. Modi: Three Days on the Wings of Madness (Director)
The most significant new development in Johnny Depp’s career is his return to the director’s chair after a 25-year hiatus, following his 1997 directorial debut, *The Brave*. *Modi* is a biographical drama that chronicles the tumultuous life of the Italian-born painter and sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. * Depp’s Role: Director and Co-Producer. * Plot Focus: The film is set in Paris in 1916 and focuses on a 48-hour period in Modigliani’s life, who, at the time, considered himself a commercial and critical failure. It captures a moment of crisis and creative turmoil that ultimately solidifies his status as a legendary artist. * Star-Studded Cast: The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Riccardo Scamarcio as Amedeo Modigliani, and the legendary Al Pacino as the art collector Maurice Gangnat. Stephen Graham also stars. * Release Status: The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and has secured a North American theatrical release date of November 7, 2025. This confirmed date makes *Modi* the most concrete upcoming project on his schedule. This directorial comeback is being closely watched by critics and fans alike, marking a major milestone in Depp’s post-Hollywood career. The project has been in development for two decades, underscoring its personal importance to the filmmaker.2. The Master and Margarita (Star and Producer)
For his next major acting role, Johnny Depp is set to star in and produce the first-ever English-language feature film adaptation of the acclaimed Russian literary classic, *The Master and Margarita*, by Mikhail Bulgakov. * Depp’s Role: Star and Producer (under his IN.2 Film banner). * The Novel: Bulgakov's novel is a masterpiece of magical realism and satire, weaving together three distinct narratives: a satire of Soviet life in the 1930s, the story of the titular Master and his lover Margarita, and a retelling of the Passion of Christ featuring Pontius Pilate and Yeshua Ha-Notsri. * Production Status: The project is a collaboration between Depp’s IN.2 Film and the producers of *Jeanne du Barry*. While Depp is confirmed to star, the project is still in the early stages, and a director has not yet been officially announced. * Anticipation: Given the novel’s complexity and profound themes, this adaptation is generating significant buzz, promising a role that aligns with Depp's preference for eccentric and deeply layered characters. The casting of the other main roles, particularly Margarita and Woland (the devil), is highly anticipated.3. Jeanne du Barry (Recent Release and Comeback)
While technically released in 2023 in Europe and 2024 in the United States, *Jeanne du Barry* is essential context for any discussion of Depp’s current filmography, as it marked his first major acting role after a period of professional turbulence. * Depp’s Role: Actor, portraying King Louis XV. * Plot Focus: The historical drama, directed by Maïwenn (who also stars as the title character), tells the story of Jeanne Vaubernier, a woman who rises from poverty to become the favorite mistress of King Louis XV at the Palace of Versailles. * Critical Reception: The film had its world premiere as the opening film of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, receiving a seven-minute standing ovation. Depp’s performance as the French monarch was widely praised for its restraint and nuance, cementing his return to acting. * Global Impact: The film’s success in France and its subsequent global distribution confirmed that Depp remains a major international box office draw, paving the way for his current and future projects.From Captain Jack Sparrow to Amedeo Modigliani: Depp’s New Creative Era
The trajectory of Johnny Depp’s career is undergoing a profound transformation. For years, his professional life was dominated by blockbuster franchises like *Pirates of the Caribbean* and his memorable collaborations with Tim Burton, where he often played heavily stylized, fantastical characters like Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and the Mad Hatter.A Pivot to European and Independent Cinema
His current focus on *Modi* and *Jeanne du Barry* signals a distinct pivot toward European and independent cinema, moving away from the Hollywood studio system. Directing *Modi*, a film about a struggling artist, allows Depp to explore themes of creative integrity and personal struggle, which resonate with his own recent experiences. His decision to produce and star in *The Master and Margarita* further solidifies this shift, choosing a complex, character-driven literary work over a commercial franchise.Focusing on the Director’s Chair
The enthusiasm surrounding *Modi* is palpable, particularly because it reunites him with Academy Award winner Al Pacino, who serves as a key cast member and executive producer. Depp’s commitment to this directorial project, which he has nurtured for decades, suggests that his future may involve a more balanced split between acting and directing. This creative control allows him to shape narratives that are more personal and artistically challenging.The End of Older Rumors
It is worth noting that some older projects and rumors, such as *Colonel* (a reference to his role as Colonel Joll in the 2020 film *Waiting for the Barbarians*) and any talks of a *Pirates of the Caribbean* return, are not part of his current, confirmed slate. His current focus is entirely on these three major, fresh projects, which promise a more artistically mature and compelling phase of his career. Fans can look forward to seeing the results of his efforts, starting with the major theatrical release of *Modi* in November 2025.Detail Author:
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