Netflix refrains from backing Johnny Depp starrer La Favorite, film to only stream in France

Johnny Depp has been a fan favourite star for many years now, and his fandom was elevated with his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The actor was recently all over the news and social media following the courtroom trial for a defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard. The latest reports about La Favorite, his return project, are that Netflix will not be backing the movie, but merely streaming it.

Earlier reports suggested that the actor is getting ready to make his long-awaited return in a Netflix movie titled La Favorite. The latest reports have confirmed that the French movie will not be backed by the streaming platform, which will only stream the title in France. 

According to Variety, the movie will not be produced by them, and they have only acquired the licence to stream it in the country after it completes its 15-month theatrical window. The movie, which also marks Depp’s debut in French cinema, is backed by Pascal Caucheteux and Gregoire Sorlat’s Why Not Production.

The actor will play King Louis XV in the movie, which is helmed by Maiwenn Le Besco. The movie, which will be the actor’s first film following the controversial trial with Heard, is expected to be released in 2023 in France. 

Depp and Heard ended their marriage in 2016, following which Heard got a temporary restraining order against the Pirates of the Caribbean star. She also accused Depp of physical abuse following the marriage. Depp filed a defamation suit against Heard, which resulted in a televised trial earlier this year. 

Depp was last seen in the drama Minamata, which was directed by Andrew Levitas. The actor played American photographer W. Eugene Smith in the movie, which was released in 2020.