Production "Buries" Potential Oscar Film Starring Johnny Depp as Abuse Allegations Grow - Inside the Magic

Johnny Depp has had a tough time as of late in the spotlight as his ongoing legal case with Amber Heard has continued to go viral.

Related: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s Bitter Divorce to Be Subject of Documentary

The allegations that Depp abused his former wife quickly became a claim that everyone wanted to know more about. Depp continues to state that Heard’s allegations are false, and he has not been proven guilty by any court of law. The $150 million suit will not be decided on until next spring.

We have since seen Depp’s career take a dip due to the court case and the rippling effects that Heard’s allegations have caused. After the U.K. tabloid The Sun wrote an article defaming Depp while calling him abusive, Depp sued the publication. The actor lost the battle with the tabloid as well as his appeal. Shortly after, Depp would lose two major roles. The Fantastic Beasts franchise, helmed by Warner Bros., dropped the actor and recast him with Madds Mikkelson, and then Disney booted him from his iconic role of Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Now, it seems another role that he played is being hidden from the world.

The film Minamata, produced by MGM, was one that was getting ready to head into festival circuits as some deemed the film a potential Oscar contender. Helming the film’s lead role is Johnny Depp. However, as the drama surrounding Depp continues to rise, it seems MGM wants nothing to do with it. Andrew Levitas says MGM went out of their way to “bury” the movie in the US:

“Despite an already successful global roll out, MGM had decided to “bury the film” (acquisitions head Mr. Sam Wollman’s words) because MGM was concerned about the possibility that the personal issues of an actor in the film could reflect negatively upon them and that from MGM’s perspective the victims and their families were secondary to this.”

Depp has already spoken out on how he believes Hollywood is boycotting him, and this is yet another example that proves the actor’s point right. Depp is continuously losing roles and has yet to book anything substantial since the case. That being said, he still has a massive fan base that are standing by him through this time.

Related: Johnny Depp Swats Away Security Guard to Protect Stuffed Animal

Australian photojournalist Stephen Dupont spoke out on MGM’s decision and is upset the film will not see an audience after all of the hard work that was put into it.

‘MGM is not just punishing Depp but everyone else, the other actors, the director, the cinematographer, writers, all those involved. Even if the allegations were true, I wouldn’t change my opinion. With Depp what we’re talking about is a marriage breakdown, something that lots of people go through all around the world, the only difference is that they’re not celebrities. It’s a sad state of censorship in a far too critical world where, god forbid, if you say or do anything the wrong way, or make a mistake, and you’re crucified every which way. Let’s get these things into perspective.’

Johnny Depp has brought up cancel culture, openly noting that no one is safe from it. Depp discusses how a claim that is not based on reality can be said, and whether it is a lie or the truth, it instantly becomes valid in referring to what he claims his situation to be. It will be interesting to see what happens after the court case in 2022 concludes. Depending on the verdict, we may see Depp return to Hollywood fame once again.

What do you think of the ongoing Johnny Depp situation? Let us know in the comments below.