Lionsgate has officially kicked off production on Day Drinker, unveiling a first-look image of Johnny Depp in his first major Hollywood project since his widely publicised legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard.
Directed by Marc Webb, known for 500 Days of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man, the film reunites Depp with Penélope Cruz for their fourth collaboration after Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express. Rising star Madelyn Cline joins the cast alongside Manu Ríos, Arón Piper, Juan Diego Botto, and Anika Boyle.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Spain, where production is currently underway, Day Drinker follows the story of a private-yacht bartender played by Cline, whose routine is upended when she meets a mysterious guest onboard, portrayed by Depp.
As their interactions deepen, they become entangled with a criminal figure played by Cruz, revealing a web of unexpected connections and danger.
The project is being produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, best known for the John Wick franchise, along with Adam Kolbrenner of Free Guy and Prisoners fame, and screenwriter-producer Zach Dean. Dean also penned the film’s original screenplay and recently co-produced The Gorge for Apple TV+ and Skydance.
Executive production is being handled by 30WEST, which is partnering with Lionsgate to present the film. Day Drinker is a Thunder Road / IN.2 production, with executive producers including Dan Friedkin, Micah Green, Daniel Steinman, Stephen Deuters, Jason Forman, Sam Sarkar, Marc Webb himself, and others such as Eric Sherman, Sarah Hong, Scott LaStaiti, Christopher Woodrow, Connor DiGregorio, and Adrián Guerra.
Director Marc Webb expressed his enthusiasm about the project, saying, “I’m excited to be starting production with Johnny, Madelyn, Penelope, and this incredible cast. We’re in a beautiful location with a fantastic crew and a thrilling, ferocious story to tell.
This is gonna be fun.” Webb’s creative team includes acclaimed cinematographer Javier Aguirresarobe, production designer Jan Roelfs, editor Doc Crotzer, costume designer Penny Rose, and casting directors Hannah Ashby Ward and Alejandro Gil.
Lionsgate’s Chelsea Kujawa is overseeing the film, with casting deals for Ríos, Piper, Botto, and Boyle being managed by Dan Freedman. This marks the second recent collaboration between Lionsgate and 30WEST, who are also working together on Power Ballad, a musical comedy starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, directed by John Carney.
In terms of representation, Johnny Depp is represented by Range Media Partners and attorney Lisa Nitti. Madelyn Cline is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, imPRint, Bold Talent Agency, and Hirsch Wallerstein. Penélope Cruz is represented by CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and Kuranda Management.
Marc Webb is represented by CAA and the law firm Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Feldman, Rogal, Shikora & Clark. Zach Dean is represented by CAA, Adam Kolbrenner at Lit Entertainment Group, and attorney Andrew Hurwitz. Manu Ríos is represented by CRAM Talent and WME, Arón Piper by UTA and Kuranda, and Juan Diego Botto by Gersh and Authentic Talent and Literary Management.
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