Johnny Depp movie Jeanne du Barry’s was NOT yanked from theaters

The latest Johnny Depp film released, a French-language independent film titled Jeanne du Barry, has been at the center of an online controversy over its ability to draw moviegoers into theaters.

Jeanne du Barry stars Depp, 60, as Louis XV opposite Maïwenn, 48, who co-wrote, directed and plays the titular role in the French language independent film, which debuted at last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The romantic drama chronicles ‘the life of Jeanne Bécu, who was born as the illegitimate daughter of an impoverished seamstress in 1743 and went on to rise through the Court of Louis XV to become his last official mistress,’ according to a logline from producers.

Controversy arose when a number of social media posts surfaced in recent days saying that the movie – Depp’s first release in the wake of his yearslong litigation with ex-wife Amber Heard – was pulled from U.S. theaters amid paltry box office returns.

Some social media users posted ‘purported screenshots of empty theaters … with only a seat or two filled for one-off showings last week’ of the latest release from Depp, TMZ reported on Tuesday.

The latest Johnny Depp film released, a French-language independent film titled Jeanne du Barry, has been at the center of an online controversy over its ability to draw moviegoers into theaters

Depp was pictured at the movie’s April 15 screening in London; insiders close to the actor say he’s ‘focused on his health and wellbeing much more these days’

Insiders ‘with direct knowledge’ of the situation told TMZ that the depiction of the film being pulled out of theaters due to poor sales was not accurate, as plans in the first place called for a limited theatrical run.

Jeanne du Barry’s limited run was the result of a collaboration between U.S. film distributors and the company Fathom Events, who said in March that they had planned a small group of screenings between May 2-May 6, sources told the outlet.

It was not immediately clear how the limited screening drew in box office revenues; the website Box Office Mojo did not nave domestic returns listed as of Tuesday, but indicated the motion picture has earned $13,830,331 since its May 2023 release.

Social media feedback was varied as to how packed theaters were for the comeback project, though some users did pledge their support for the embattled actor with posts taken inside the screenings.

‘Finally got to see Jeanne Du Barry on its last night in US theaters, and I’m glad I did,’ one user wrote. ‘Seeing it on the big screen was well worth the wait! The costumes, the scenery, the actors, were all mesmerizing.’

Another trio of fans posed in a shot from the theater with the caption: ‘Out here supporting Johnny … So proud!!!!’

One account painted a bleak picture of the movie’s performance in its domestic release. 

‘Unfortunately due to low ticket sales, “Jeanne du Barry” has already been PULLED from most theaters in Los Angeles,’ a tweet from the account read. ‘The film only sold 2 tickets at last nights premiere in Hollywood. The only remaining theater still showing “Jeanne du Barry” is Sherman Oaks — where it sold 7 tickets. It will no longer be playing anywhere in Los Angeles after tonight.’

Some Depp fans pledged their support for the embattled actor with posts taken inside the screenings

 

One account said that the French language film had been pulled amid humiliating box office returns

Another user pushed back on claims the movie had been pulled, saying that it had been a narrative spread by supporters of Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard 

The account added, ‘Unfortunately, Jeanne du Barry did not make the box office weekend chart after its “limited run” in the US over the weekend (May 3rd-5th). The film grossed less than $500 and was nowhere to be found in the top 50.’

Another user pushed back on claims the movie had been pulled, saying that it had been a narrative spread by supporters of Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard.

‘They ACTUALLY think we’re stupid, don’t they?’ the user said, pointing out what they perceived to be inconsistencies in the information detailing the movie’s lackluster performance. 

The user said that ‘you can literally look it up for yourself, Jeanne Du Barry is indeed still playing throughout plenty of theatres in LA and it’s still at the exact same time as it was today,’ adding that ‘Amber Heard’s supporters only use this platform to gaslight.’

Amid the clashing feedback, Depp has been focused on ‘his health and wellbeing much more these days,’ a source told People May 3, and remains ‘very excited’ for his fans to enjoy his latest release.

The source told the outlet Jeanne du Barry ‘was a good challenge’ for the actor, who ‘did the entire film in French.’

The source noted that ‘people were loving his look for the Jeanne du Barry U.K. premiere’ last month, as Depp showed up ‘feeling and looking healthier.

‘He’s taking advantage of being in this better headspace,’ the source said. ‘There’s a lot of good energy, and he surrounds himself with a good group of people.’