French filmmakerMaïwennhas openly shared her experiences directingJohnny Deppin the historical dramaJeanne du Barry, candidly addressing the issues she faced due to Depp’s script interference, tardiness and general on-set presence. The film is the first movie to feature Depp since his legal battle with Amber Heard in 2022. In an interview withThe Independent, Maïwenn delved into the complexities of working with Depp, who portrayed Louis XV inthe movie that became a big controversyat the Cannes Film Festival.
Maïwenn, who has become known for not playing it safe in her creative choices, highlighted the unique challenges she faced during the production. According to her, Depp frequently deviated from the script and brought his own interpretations to the set, sometimes clashing with the planned direction of the film. She said:
“Johnny came with a new version of the script and I wasn’t happy with it. It didn’t work… So I shot it without making the changes he wanted… which he took as an insult.”
Jeanne du Barry
Jeanne du Barry is a historical drama that tells the story of the titular character who, on her journey out of the clutches of poverty, catches the eye of King Louis XV. Concealing her identity from him, Jeanne earns his favor, and the two fall in love, but upon moving to Versailles to deepen their relationship, scandal strikes France’s court.
The working relationship between Maïwenn and Depp frequently became tense. She explained that many times Depp would not respond to texts she sent him, and often failed to show up on set on time. There were also instances where she was required to cut some of Depp’s lines, due to him not being able to rehearse or perfect his accent. She added:
“There was no time for rehearsals. I asked for time but, for whatever reason, he wasn’t available… He had a coach, but he couldn’t work with her beforehand. So. OK. I discovered his accent wasn’t perfect. So a few times I decided to cut his lines. But that also happened with the French actors. It happens!”
Shooting Jeanne du Barry with Johnny Depp Was Difficult
Not holding back in her interview, Maïwenn continued to detail theproblems faced working with Depp, including how many of the cast and crew didn’t quite know what to expect from him. She continued:
“I have to be honest. It’s difficult to shoot with him… all the crew were scared because he has a different kind of humour and we didn’t know if he was going to be on time, or if he was going to be OK to say his lines… I mean, even if he was there on set, on time, the crew were afraid of him. There’s been no normal relationship since the shoot. Johnny for me is a huge genius but he’s in another world. I cannot communicate with him.”
While Maïwenn did admit that the strained nature of their on-set relationship helped her build a more genuine on-screen relationship between her character and Depp’s, she also revealed that before shooting the movie, their personal connection was much different.
Before the shoot, me and Johnny were texting and talking on the phone. It was completely simple and natural.
Jeanne du Barry Director Slams Misinterpretation of ‘Scary’ Johnny Depp Comments: ‘I Was Shocked’
Maïwenn has shared a blunt response to the way her comments about the crew “being afraid” of Johnny Depp were recently interpreted in an interview.
Whatever changed between the pair, it has reportedly not improved in recent months, as it was also noted in the report how uncomfortable they looked when holding hands and posing for pictures at the recent London premiere ofJeanne du Barry. With the film posting very mixed early reviews, whether the struggle was worth it is something that seems down to Maïwenn and Depp to decide for themselves.
Jeanne du Barryis released in the U.S. on July 13, 2025.
