Jeanne Du Barry: Maïwenn’s period drama starring Johnny Depp lands North American distribution

After receiving significant cheers at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Maïwenn’s Jeanne Du Barry is heading stateside. Vertical brings the film to North America. At the same time, Johnny Depp’s loyal supporters are eager to experience the actor’s first acting project since his lengthy court battle with ex-wife Amber Heard. The film received a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes, with many praising Maïwenn’s period drama as an elegant look at a controversial figure in our history.

Depp plays a supporting role in the film as King Louis XV. Maïwenn directs the feature in addition to co-starring as Louis XV’s courtesan lover. Filming began in July last year in locations ranging from Versailles and other chateaux in Paris to France’s Why Not Productions. Jeanne du Barry is Depp’s first production in three years. Depp won his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard last year and is rebuilding his Hollywood reputation. While some filmmakers continue to see Depp as box office poison, Maïwenn is thrilled to work alongside the once-untouchable actor on his awaited comeback.

During his time, Louis XV reigned for 59 years, the longest in the history of France after that of Louis XIV. Though nicknamed “the beloved,” King Louis XV died as an unpopular ruler after being accused of corruption and debauchery. Depp has not appeared in a significant film since Andrew Levitas’s 2020 film Minamata.

French actors Benjamin Lavernhe, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, and Pascal Greggory also star. Regarding the film’s box office performance, Jeanne Du Barry earned $4.1 million in two weeks at French theaters.

Deadline previously reported that Maïwenn’s film is loosely inspired by the life of Jeanne Vaubernier, Louis XV’s last royal mistress at the Court of Versailles, after Madame de Pompadour. Left to the mercy of an uncaring society since birth, Jeanne du Barry defied the odds and struggled to survive on her way to becoming the object of Louis XV’s affection. Unaware of Jeanne du Barry’s status upon falling in love, Louis XV spit in the face of tradition to keep her close and rise through the ranks of society.

Will you see Jeanne Du Barry in theaters, or wait until Netflix, who owns the French rights to the film, streams it after its theatrical run? Let us know in the comments below.