For the first time in a decade, since the last Pirates of the Caribbean film was released, Johnny Depp is returning to the supernatural horror genre with Day Drinker.
Lionsgate has officially released the debut trailer for Day Drinker, directed by Marc Webb. Depp returns to mainstream theatrical cinema in a leading role, with a wide release in theaters in 2027. The project is a high-profile release for the actor, who is also starring in director Ti West’s 2026 reimagining of Ebenezer.
An Intrigues-Laden Nautical Nightmare
The narrative centers on a private yacht bartender, portrayed by Madelyn Cline. She strikes up an enigmatic relationship with an unusual, enigmatic guest onboard, played by Depp. The pair quickly find themselves entangled in a dangerous web controlled by a formidable criminal figure, portrayed by Penélope Cruz. As mysterious secrets unravel, the trio uncovers sinister connections that push the story into dark, unexpected territory.
The initial footage introduces Depp’s character sporting weathered gray hair, a scraggly beard, unsettling eyes, and an accented delivery. Throughout the trailer, his character delivers cryptic warnings about past misdeeds. The trailer also teases the story’s supernatural core. Depp’s character questions whether his presence signals violent retribution, a ghost story, or simply the ramblings of a day drinker.
Reunited Genre Veterans and Production Leadership
Day Drinker represents the fourth cinematic collaboration between Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz, who previously shared the screen in Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and Murder on the Orient Express.
Marc Webb directs Day Drinker from an original screenplay by Zach Dean.
Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee lead the film’s production team, alongside Adam Kolbrenner, Zach Dean, and Nathan Kahane. The executive production roster includes Dan Friedkin, Micah Green, and Daniel Steinman. Stephen Deuters, Jason Forman, Sam Sarkar, Marc Webb, and Eric Sherman also join them. Sarah Hong, Scott LaStaiti, Adrián Guerra, and Xavier Parache also executive produce.
Johnny Depp Has Long Been Serving Up Chills and Thrills
Depp has a long history in cinema. While best known for eccentric blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp’s career has deep roots in horror, dark thrillers, and gothic cinema. Here’s a look back at some of his iconic roles.
The Slasher Debut: Depp made his feature film debut as Glen Lantz in Wes Craven’s groundbreaking 1984 slasher classic A Nightmare on Elm Street, where he famously meets his end in a geyser of blood. He later made a cameo in Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991).
Gothic Horror & Tim Burton: His long-running partnership with Tim Burton produced dark fantasy and horror-adjacent classics, including Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999), the gothic vampire tale Dark Shadows (2012), and the bloody musical slasher Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), which earned him an Oscar nomination.
Supernatural & Crime Thrillers: Depp has frequently navigated dark, psychological terrain in thrillers like The Ninth Gate (1999), From Hell (2001), Secret Window (2004), Blow (2001), and Black Mass (2015).
Creature Features & Indie Horror: He leaned into body horror and weird indie cinema with Kevin Smith’s Tusk (2014) and Yoga Hosers (2016), appearing as the eccentric French-Canadian detective Guy LaPointe.
A 2027 Release
With its blend of star power and supernatural suspense, Day Drinker aims to deliver an intense cinematic event for global audiences. It hits theaters on March 26, 2027.
