Johnny Depp

In a recent issue of Entertainment Weekly, the High School Musical star, Zac Efron voiced his desire to pick the brains of Hollywood’s elite A-listers - Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp in particular. Seeking advice, he confessed to wanting a sit down session with the men to pick their brains about their early careers and get some advise for where he should head next. He respects them, for having maneuvered well in the industry that’s littered with wrong turns. “They do it because they love it, not because they enjoy being famous.”

He may get his wish, after all. According to recent reports, Efron will be joining the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean 4. Further reports suggest that he was actually being groomed as Johnny’s successor (good luck with that, buddy boy!) but it was decided that it wasn’t Pirates without Depp (GOOD CALL DISNEY!), and instead offered Zac a smaller part to join with our Johnny. While the paycheck for Johnny Depp is said to be in the $55 million range, Zac stands to get a cool $6 million, double his HSM earnings, to join the swashbuckling crew.

Zac’s ok. But he’s no Johnny. Just sayin’.

In fact - NO ONE can play an oddball like Depp! So says his partner in crime, director Tim Burton, when he recently reported that Johnny is taking his newest role as the Mad Hatter to heart… or stomach, as he ate part of his costume last week.

“Nobody plays oddballs better than Johnny and he’s loving playing this one,” Tim said. “He actually ate his hat the other day. No word of a lie, he just bit into the brim and chewed.”

He may be weird - but it’s definitely part of his charm, hm?

Like we didn’t already KNOW this, but it’s finally official - Johnny Depp WILL be the Mad Hatter for the upcoming Alice in Wonderland, working once again side by side with Tim Burton. Not only that, but according to the Hollywood Reporter, Johnny Depp will also be playing Tonto in a new movie version of The Lone Ranger.

…wait, what?!

Apparently there was a daylong preview of upcoming Disney Movies and projects today at the Kdak Theatre which ended with a surprise Johnny sighting - outfitted as Jack Sparrow, but with “The William Tell Overture” which every one knows is the Lone Ranger theme. Naturally, I have not located any photos of this - anyone? Video would be even better!

Now the question is - will Helena Bonham Carter play the Queen of Hearts?

And who is the Lone Ranger to Depp’s Tonto? And is there ANYTHING else in the works that doesn’t make sense? I mean, Tonto? TONTO? I don’t know if I can quite believe that one, or wrap my head around it at all. But if Disney said it, it’s true, right? Of course, I only remember the old school Lone Ranger, so maybe that’s why it’s not working for me.

But in the end, I’ll have to trust Disney - after all, they’ve given us Pirates, and have a fourth one in development now! No word on if Johnny will return for that, but can it really be Pirates of the Caribbean without Depp’s Jack Sparrow? I don’t think so. (Update: Johnny is DEFINITELY in for Pirates 4. )

No word yet on when Depp will start filming for Alice in Wonderland - though we know that they have started filming other parts of the movie at the Antony House in the UK.

This is a fun interview from “Access Hollywood,” where Johnny talks about Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.” Johnny talks about Keith Richards-his first meeting with Keith, and how great Johnny thinks he is-and how Keith took the news when Johnny told him that the character of Captain Jack Sparrow was partially “borrowed” from Keith!

He talks about the possibility of playing Captain Jack again, and how he’d love to do it. He also covers the subject of doing more movies aimed at kids, giving the opinion that “sometimes kids’ stories, themselves, are scarier than more adult themes.” (Definitely true! Have you ever read the original versions of Grimms’ Fairy Tales?)

He talks about the rumors that Keira Knightley was ready to walk away from films to pursue a normal life. He says that if she did decide to walk away, he would applaud her for doing what made her happy. Asked if he has ever thought about quitting acting, he says “probably every 11 minutes for the last 20 years!”

One of the really great things about this interview is when Johnny talks about playing Barbies with his daughter, Lily-Rose. According to Johnny, he’s “had some very good situations as different Barbies!”
He also says it’s “essentially one of the only things I’m good at!” Now, that’s a devoted and loving dad!

In the last bit, he discusses his upcoming movie, Sweeney Todd, directed by Tim Burton. A great interview but, of course, any interview with Johnny is great! Enjoy!

For other Friday Film interviews, go to:

Sept. 21
Sept. 14

Johnny Depp, Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tim Burton, Sweeney Todd, Keira Knightley, Lily-Rose Depp, Keith Richards

As promised, here’s the second part of the Johnny Depp interview from David Letterman, which aired in July, 2006. In this part of the interview, Johnny talks briefly about life with his kids. Letterman also touches on the fact that Johnny’s still wearing Captain Jack’s gold teeth, and how he cool he is with them! Then, there’s discussion of the island that Johnny bought in the Bahamas, and how much he loves it there.

There’s also a very funny clip from “Deadman’s Chest!” So, watch and enjoy!

Johnny Depp, Depp, David Letterman, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp interview

To celebrate National Talk Like A Pirate Day (which was yesterday, and I missed posting on it!), website AfterElton.com has chosen a list of “swishbucklers”-gay pirates in film. Noting that pirate characterizations tend toward the flamboyant, the site does say that we don’t actually know if they’re gay, since their orientations are not much discussed. It’s a fun list! Click on the link above to see all pictures.

1. Errol Flynn as “Captain Blood”
2. Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow
3. Robert DeNiro as Captain Shakespeare(Stardust)
4. Kevin Kline in “Pirates of Penzance”
5. Any portrayal of Captain Hook

Although the site has Johnny at number two, they acknowledge that he has pretty much “set the gold standard.” Something tells me he’s probably happy about that!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Captain Jac Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean, Errol Flynn, Robert DeNiro, Stardust, Kevin Kline, pirates

GQ has named the “50 Most Stylish Men Of The Last 50 Years” and, not surprisingly, Johnny is among them. Here’s GQ’s take on Johnny’s style:

After almost a quarter century in front of the camera, Johnny Depp has shown us everything but himself. Not an easy task when you’ve got those cheekbones, that tousled hair, and an unmitigated youthfulness, which Depp has worked hard to cloak by playing reclusive savants and rock ’n’ roll pirates. But we keep searching, trying to nail down his hobo chic—a style that derives from a life spent kicking around the dusty South and the French countryside. “I don’t think he’s remotely interested in fashion. He’s a complete instigator of fashion,” says Penny Rose, the costume designer who collaborated with the actor to create Pirates of the Caribbean’s randy Jack Sparrow. “His look is always eye-stopping, clever, and completely individual.” Or, like the last two drags on one of his hand-rolled cigarettes, raw and unapologetically gratifying.

What more is there to say about Johnny’s style, except what I’ve already said here before: He makes any piece of clothing he puts on look great!

Johnny Depp, Depp, GQ, Gentleman’s Quarterly

I’m starting a new feature today called “Friday Film.” On Fridays, from now on, I’ll be featuring video clips of Johnny-interviews, film clips, even some made of clips set to music. There’s so much good film of Johnny out there, and I thought it would be great to share some with you.

I’m starting off with Part I of an interview with David Letterman, which aired on “Late Night” July 27, 2006. In this first part, Johnny talks with Dave about how studio executives first felt about his portrayl of Captain Jack Sparrow. There’s also a very funny story about his defacing a billboard of himself from his “21 Jump Street” days. And, as usual, his clothes are unusual and uniquely Johnny! Hope you enjoy!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean, David Letterman, Late Night, 21 Jump Street, Johnny Depp interview

Have you seen the movie “Stardust” yet? If not, go shell out your money at the very first opportunity. It’s well worth it! Especially Robert DeNiro. DeNiro plays the swashbuckling Captain Shakespeare, a flying pirate captain, who enjoys dancing and dressing in women’s clothes! The scene in Captain Shakespeare’s cabin where DeNiro does the can-can dance is hilarious! Shades of Jack Sparrow!

Most critics seem to love DeNiro’s performance, including IESB.net:

Robert DeNiro, my first major issue with the casting when it was announced, is wacky, wonderful, and Oscar nomination-worthy. I can assure you that if he doesn’t float your sense of humor boat, you should really look to see if your funny bone has hit an iceberg recently.

Everyone in this movie was seemingly tailor-made for their parts, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Claire Danes also excellent in their roles.

Johnny Depp, Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow, Stardust, Robert DeNiro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes

Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean stuntman has sued Walt Disney Co. and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, according to the LA Times. Stuntman Tony Angelotti is suing over an accident that occurred while he was rehearsing a stunt for Pirates of the Caribbean: Deadman’s Chest in July, 2005. The stunt was a “human yo-yo” stunt, in which Captain Jack Sparrow was supposed to fall and roll.

Angelotti was attached by a harness to a crane with a cord wrapped around his waist, the suit states. He was then released from a height of 30 to 40 feet and was to perform five “roll-out turns.”

But by the time he reached the end of the cord, the suit alleges, the tension of the cord was such that it caused the stuntman to immediately “jackknife.” He fractured his pelvis, suffered injuries to his bladder, femoral artery, knees and legs, and suffered internal bleeding. Angelotti’s suit alleges that unsafe equipment was used in the stunt.

However the lawsuit turns out, we wish Tony Angelotti the best, and hope that he remains in good health.

Johnny Depp, Depp, Walt Disney Co., Jerry Bruckheimer, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean: Deadman’s Chest, Captain Jack Sparrow, Tony Angelotti, stunts, movie stunts, stuntmen

Johnny’s Pirates of the Caribbean dad (and one of the inspirations for the character of Captain Jack Sparrow), Keith Richards, is writing his autobiography! UTV reports that Keith has signed a deal with New York publishing house Little, Brown, & Co. worth over $7 million! The book is to be published in 2010.

Michael Pietsch of Little, Brown, & Co. had the following to say about the book:

“Keith Richards has stood cool at the centre of the hurricane for nearly fifty years.”

“His story, in his own words - the band, the songs, the tours, the life - will be the most eagerly awaited book ever to come out of the hallowed halls of rock and roll.”

It should make very interesting reading. It’ll definitely be on my list of must-reads!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean, Keith Richards, Little, Brown, & Co., Keith Richards autobiography

Yesterday, I talked about the possibility of “Sweeney Todd” previews at Comic-Con in San Diego. That won’t be the only sighting of Johnny Depp at Comic-Con. SignOnSanDiego.com reports the following about Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” display:

Disney’s display for “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” the summer movie blockbuster, includes a hand-carved Jack Sparrow (played in the film by Johnny Depp) and a replica of the Black Pearl ship. Inside the booth is an interactive museum, pieces of art from the collection of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, costumes and sound effects from the film. The ship, which weighs 6,000 pounds, took seven months to build in Paso Robles and was shipped in pieces to Comic-Con – just for you, said Maximillian Castillo, whose Encino-based company did the installation.

Click on the link above for info about other displays at Comic-Con. It’ll be wonderful fun!

Johnny Depp, Depp, Sweeney Todd, Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney, Comic-Con, Jack Sparrow, Jerry Bruckheimer

I found the following at Metro.co.uk:

Captain Jack Sparrow looks set to get his very own TV series.

Disney bosses are said to be planning a Pirates Of The Caribbean spin off about Jack “The Lad”.

An insider told the Daily Star: “The idea is that we focus on a much younger Jack Sparrow and show fans how he became a famous pirate.

“The film has been such a success with spin-offs such as toys and video games and books it seems only right to do a TV series.

“They did one with Indiana Jones, showing the fossil-finder in his younger days, so there is no reason why it won’t work for Jack.

“And since the film has attracted guests like Keith Richards, you can imagine the stars who’ll want to pop up in the telly show.”

But first of all producers will need to find a younger actor up to Johnny Depp’s standards to take on the coveted role of a teenage Jack.

All I can say is, “Are they crazy?!” Do they really think they’ll find a younger actor up to Johnny’s standards? And besides, don’t they get it? Johnny Depp is Captain Jack Sparrow! Why would anyone want to tune in to watch someone else?

Johnny Depp, Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jack Sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow

Product Reviews Net is reporting that there will definitely be another Pirates of the Caribbean starring Johnny Depp, with Geoffrey Rush and Gore Verbinski as the directors. They report that the movie is scheduled for release sometime between 2009 and 2011, and will pay Johnny $40 million for is role as Captain Jack Sparrow. What a great payday for Johnny. They do say, however, that their information is based on rumors, and that their sources may be incorrect. So, how do you say a movie is definite, and then say the info is based on rumors?

Personally, I hope it’s true. I don’t think I’d ever tire of watching Johnny as Jack Sparrow! In the long run, we’ll just have to see how all this pans out.

Johnny Depp, Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean, Geoffrey Rush, Gore Verbinski

In the Orlando Sentinel, Colleen Mastony says

Eye makeup never looked so good on a man. In the latest installment of Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp trowels on more black eyeliner than a Kabuki dancer. Yet, even with his heavily shadowed eyes and industrial-strength mascara, Depp manages to exude masculine sex-appeal as he swaggers woozily across the big screen as campy, over-the-top, drunken pirate Capt. Jack Sparrow.

Fuelled by Johnny’s eyepopping turns as Captain Jack Sparrow, as well as his popularity with the gentlemen as well as the ladies, the use of “guyliner” is becoming more common. A list of celebs who use it:

* Tobey Maguire (in Spiderman 3)
* Jared Leto
* Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy)
* My Chemical Romance
* Panic! At The Disco
* The Killers

and even Depp’s father in “At World’s End,” the legendary Keith Richards, has now taken a liking to it.

Thanks to a merchandising line from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, the motto “Real men wear eyeliner” is now available on mugs, t-shirts, and hats.

Johnny started the trend, and he’s still the best at wearing it! What do you think? Would you guys out there wear eyeliner? And ladies, do you like your man wearing it?

Johnny Depp, Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean, Keith Richards, Tobey Maguire, Pete Wentz, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Panic! At The Disco, The Killers, eyeliner, guyliner