In Day Drinker, Depp takes on the role of a cruise ship bartender who crosses paths with a mysterious day drinker, pulling him into a dark criminal underworld. The project is backed by a seasoned production team, including Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, known for their work on the John Wick franchise. Lionsgate’s Adam Fogelson expressed confidence in the film’s appeal, describing it as "a highly commercial concept with outrageous twists" that Depp and Cruz are perfectly cast to bring to life.
This role brings Depp back to mainstream Hollywood after recent years spent on European film projects, including Jeanne du Barry and Modi, the latter premiering at the Rome Film Festival. Depp and Cruz, who have starred together in Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express, share a strong professional and personal bond. Cruz notably stood by Depp during his legal battles, publicly supporting his character.
With Lionsgate and 30WEST on board as executive producers, Day Drinker promises to be a gripping addition to Depp’s career, potentially setting the stage for his return as a Hollywood mainstay.