French film luminary Maïwenn, director of Johnny Depp’s new film Jeanne du Barry, has spoken out against a recent interview that misrepresented her comments about the actor. In the interview with London’s Independent, Maïwenn was quoted as saying that the crew was afraid of Depp on set. However, Maïwenn clarified that she was referring to Depp’s charisma and star status, not his behavior on set, and accused the journalist of misinterpreting her words.
Maïwenn expressed her disappointment in the Independent’s headline, which painted Depp in a negative light. She stated that she should have used a different word to describe Depp’s status as a respected actor and called out the journalist for taking her words out of context. Despite their creative differences on set, Maïwenn praised Depp as a talented actor comparable to Marlon Brando and emphasized her admiration and respect for him.
In Jeanne du Barry, Depp plays King Louis XV, who becomes involved with a commoner, played by Maïwenn. The film, which premiered in London on April 15 before its release on April 19, highlights Depp’s return to the big screen after his role in the 2020 indie drama Minamata. Maïwenn and Depp’s collaboration in the film was marred by the controversy surrounding the interview and the misrepresentation of their working relationship.
The Independent article not only misrepresented Maïwenn’s comments about Depp but also delved into their off-screen controversies, probing into their personal lives and creative process. Maïwenn expressed her frustration with the direction of the interview and emphasized that Depp’s reputation as a talented actor should not be overshadowed by sensational headlines. Despite their disagreements on set, Maïwenn reiterated her admiration for Depp and clarified that her comments were taken out of context.
The controversy surrounding the Independent interview has sparked a response from Maïwenn, who felt misrepresented by the publication and the journalist responsible for the article. Variety attempted to reach out to both the Independent and the journalist for comment on the situation. Despite the negative portrayal in the media, Maïwenn continues to stand by her praise for Depp’s acting abilities and his contribution to the film, emphasizing the importance of correcting the narrative surrounding their collaboration.
As Jeanne du Barry prepares for its U.S. release on May 1, Maïwenn and Depp remain at the center of controversy surrounding the misrepresented interview. The film marks a significant moment for Depp’s career as he returns to the big screen after a hiatus, and Maïwenn’s clarification of her comments aims to set the record straight about her working relationship with Depp. Despite the challenges faced on set, Maïwenn maintains her respect and admiration for Depp as a talented actor, highlighting the importance of accurate representation in the media.
