Johnny Depp is set to make a high-profile Hollywood return alongside Penelope Cruz in Day Drinker, a gripping thriller directed by Marc Webb and produced by Lionsgate. Known for his past roles in edgy, unconventional films, Depp’s upcoming project marks his most significant bid to reestablish his Hollywood status after years of personal and professional controversies. Lionsgate has confirmed that international sales for Day Drinker will commence at the American Film Market this week, positioning it as a major release for the studio.

This project sees Depp and Cruz reunite for the fourth time, following their collaborations in Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express. In Day Drinker, the story follows a cruise ship bartender, played by Depp, who encounters a mysterious day drinker, portrayed by Cruz. The plot turns dark as the two characters find themselves pulled into a dangerous underworld and connected in ways neither could have anticipated.

According to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson, the film "combines a highly commercial concept with wildly outrageous twists and turns," and praised Depp and Cruz as “perfectly cast” for the lead roles. Fogelson also highlighted Marc Webb’s unique directorial vision, which he believes will bring the film’s thrilling narrative to life. Webb, who rose to prominence with 500 Days of Summer and later directed The Amazing Spider-Man series, is currently in post-production on Disney’s live-action Snow White.

Day Drinker is produced by an accomplished team with extensive action film experience. Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, best known for their work on the John Wick franchise, are co-producing alongside Adam Kolbrenner (The Tomorrow War, Free Guy) and screenwriter Zach Dean, who is celebrated for his action-driven screenplays like Fast X and the upcoming thriller The Gorge. Dean penned the original screenplay for Day Drinker, promising intense action and suspense against a vivid backdrop.

Adding to its allure, Day Drinker is the latest collaboration between Lionsgate and 30WEST. The two previously teamed up for Power Ballad, a music-themed comedy by John Carney starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas. 30WEST will also serve as executive producer on Day Drinker.

The project signals a calculated return to Hollywood for Depp, who recently starred in the French film Jeanne du Barry and directed Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, a period indie that premiered at the Rome Film Festival. While both films were successful in European circles, Day Drinker is Depp’s first major Hollywood release in years, with considerable commercial potential to support his reintegration into the industry.