Lionsgate Unveils 'Day Drinker' Trailer, Signaling Johnny Depp's Studio Comeback

Key points

• Lionsgate released the first trailer for 'Day Drinker,' a supernatural revenge thriller starring Johnny Depp, Madelyn Cline, and Penélope Cruz.
• The film is directed by Marc Webb and written by Zach Dean, with a theatrical release scheduled for March 26, 2027.
• The plot centers on a private-yacht bartender (Cline) who encounters a mysterious guest (Depp) and becomes entangled with a criminal figure (Cruz).
• The trailer features Depp with gray hair and a scraggly beard, delivering lines about 'misbehavior' and 'ghost stories,' and includes scenes of gun and axe combat.
• This is Depp's fourth collaboration with Penélope Cruz, following 'Blow,' 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,' and 'Murder on the Orient Express.'
• The film is produced by Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Adam Kolbrenner, Zach Dean, and Nathan Kahane.

Background

Johnny Depp has been in talks to reprise his role as Jack Sparrow in a potential 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' with Disney, though no deal has been finalized. His last major studio film before 'Day Drinker' was 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald' in 2018. His 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard led to his being dropped from major franchises, but he has since worked on European projects like 'Jeanne du Barry.'

How outlets are covering it

Deadline emphasizes the film as a 'supernatural revenge thriller' and a major test for Depp's return to leading roles, noting his gray-haired, scraggly appearance and the trailer's violent combat scenes. Variety frames the film as part of Depp's 'Hollywood comeback' and highlights Penélope Cruz's return to the studio system after a successful 2026 indie year. Both outlets agree on the core plot and release date, but Deadline focuses more on the visual and tonal elements of the trailer, while Variety emphasizes the broader industry context of Depp's and Cruz's careers. The Yahoo source provides the official teaser but offers no additional narrative details beyond the title and cast.

Why it matters

The release of the 'Day Drinker' trailer signals a significant shift in Johnny Depp's career, marking his return to a major studio leading role after a period of professional uncertainty following his 2022 defamation trial. The film's success could influence his future projects, including the potential 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' with Disney. For Penélope Cruz, it represents a return to the Hollywood studio system after a successful year in independent cinema. The film also highlights the continued relevance of established actors in the thriller genre and the industry's willingness to re-engage with talent after legal controversies.

What to watch

Lionsgate will likely release additional marketing materials for 'Day Drinker' in the lead-up to its March 26, 2027, theatrical release. Paramount's 'Ebenezer,' starring Depp, is set to release on November 13, 2026, and its performance may influence the reception of 'Day Drinker.' Discussions about 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' with Disney may continue, potentially influenced by the success of Depp's recent projects. The film's box office performance and critical reception will be closely watched as indicators of Depp's and Cruz's continued viability in the studio system.