Many eyes have been on Johnny Depp since the insanely-televised conclusion of his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, namely where his acting career would look to regain its footing. While not much is on the docket just yet, Depp has since been confirmed to play the infamous French King Louis XV in the upcoming French film Jeanne du Barry, which has been officially renamed La Favorite and is now in post-production and set to release later this year. Per a report from The Playlist, new images from the film have been released courtesy of the French publication Premiere on their official Instagram account.

In the three new photos, we get a new, updated look at Depp as Louis XV, the King of France, alongside his beloved mistress Jeanne du Barry (also known in history as Madame du Barry), played by actress and co-writer/director Maïwenn. Dressed in royally lavish and intricate clothing befitting those living at Versailles, both Depp's and Maïwenn's characters look spot-on for the period and setting of the film. Filming took place both on-site at Versailles and in certain spots around Paris. As the title of the film suggests, the plot centers around the life of King Louis XV and his infamous lover Jeanne du Barry, a prostitute whom he brought to court at Versailles and was regarded with contempt by many, notably Marie Antoinette.

Not many other details about the film are known yet, particularly when we can anticipate the first trailer. Netflix is distributing the film, but per an agreement, it will premiere in France first later this year, with streaming access to follow 15 months later. Unfortunately, that means global audiences will have to wait until mid-2024 to see Depp in his new, clean-shaven role.

Related: Johnny Depp is King Louis XV in First Look at Comeback Role in French Drama Jeanne du Barry

Depp's Return to Acting and the Public Eye

johnny depps captain jack sparrow
Walt Disney Pictures

After the dust finally settled on a long, very tumultuous, and obnoxiously-covered legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp faced the awkward prospect of returning to acting as normal. Despite the predictably overwhelming plea by diehard fans for him to return to his biggest role as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, no plans whatsoever have been made for that particular comeback, yet. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has reportedly not ruled out the possibility. However, the actor has opted instead for a quieter return to the big screen, starting with just a couple of smaller foreign films, one being La Favorite and the other an unknown Italian film presumably called Johnny Puff Secret Mission (2023). No further details on the latter project are listed on IMDB yet, aside from the director/writer credits and an apparent release date of March 15th.

As to what Depp anticipates doing in the next few years, whether he indeed plans to return to blockbuster projects or not, fans will simply have to wait and see where the wind carries him.