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Johnny Depp Bans Evil in ‘Day Drinker’: Trailer Teases Dark Revenge

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Oct 16, 2026
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Johnny Depp Bans Evil in ‘Day Drinker’: Trailer Teases Dark Revenge

The studio has unveiled the first trailer for *Day Drinker*, a supernatural revenge thriller starring Johnny Depp. Lionsgate announced the film will hit theaters on March 26, 2027, and the teaser showcases Depp’s return to a leading role after a long studio hiatus.

The trailer hints at a tense voyage where mischief meets vengeance on a private yacht.

Co‑stars Madelyn Cline and Penélope Cruz join Depp in the story. Cline plays a yacht bartender who encounters the enigmatic guest played by Depp, while Cruz portrays a looming criminal figure.

This marks the fourth collaboration between Depp and Cruz, following *Blow*, *Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides*, and *Murder on the Orient Express*.

The film’s premise is built around a mysterious encounter that spirals into an unexpected entanglement. Director Marc Webb says the script by Zach Dean explores “a tale of revenge, or perhaps something worse.” The trailer reveals Depp’s character questioning whether the events are supernatural or merely psychological.

## Background & Context

Johnny Depp’s last studio‑backed lead role before *Day Drinker* was in *Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald* in 2018. Since then, he has mostly appeared in independent projects, and his career pause coincided with a high‑profile defamation case against Amber Heard that concluded in 2022.

The case’s resolution has freed Depp to pursue major studio roles again.

Marc Webb, known for directing the recent *Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse* and *The Amazing Spider‑Man*, is helming the project. Webb’s partnership with Lionsgate has yielded several recent successes, and his involvement signals a shift toward genre‑heavy storytelling.

The production team includes producer Zach Dean alongside Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Adam Kolbrenner, Nathan Kahane, and executive producers such as Dan Friedkin and Micah Green.

## What People Are Saying

The trailer presents Depp as a gray‑haired, scraggly‑bearded figure with “eerie eyes and a thick accent.” In the teaser, he warns, “I’ve made a living out of misbehavior,” before adding, “I see no tangible reason to stop now.” These lines suggest a character steeped in past transgressions who refuses to let go.

Later, the character reflects: “My story, perhaps it’s a tale of revenge, or perhaps something worse. What if all this is a ghost story? Or maybe I’m just another day drinker.”

Madelyn Cline’s presence as a yacht bartender adds a fresh dynamic to the narrative. Critics note that her role could serve as the audience’s entry point into the film’s mysterious world.

Penélope Cruz’s involvement brings a seasoned talent who has previously collaborated with Depp on three projects, hinting at an on‑screen chemistry that may carry through the thriller.

## What Happens Next

Lionsgate will distribute *Day Drinker* across U.S. theaters, with a scheduled release date of March 26, 2027. The film is expected to be marketed as a supernatural revenge thriller that blends atmospheric tension with character‑driven drama. No additional release platforms or streaming arrangements have been announced at this time.

The project is part of a broader strategy for Lionsgate to diversify its slate with genre films starring high‑profile actors. With the involvement of seasoned producers and a director like Webb, the studio aims to position *Day Drinker* as a strong contender in the early‑2027 lineup.

Fans of Depp’s earlier work are likely to watch for how his portrayal evolves from the chaotic mischief of past roles.

In closing, *Day Drinker* represents a significant moment for Johnny Depp as he steps back into a prominent studio role after several years away from major productions.

The film’s blend of supernatural intrigue and revenge narrative, coupled with a strong ensemble cast, sets the stage for what may be an intriguing addition to the thriller genre.

Why It Matters

This announcement signals a pivotal moment for both Johnny Depp’s career and Lionsgate’s strategic positioning within the genre‑film market. After a hiatus from major studio projects, Depp’s return in a high‑concept supernatural thriller offers studios a proven star with built‑in audience interest, while simultaneously allowing him to explore darker, more complex characters beyond his earlier comic‑book fame. The partnership with director Marc Webb—known for his visually dynamic work on the Spider‑Man franchise—suggests a film that balances atmospheric tension with high‑production value, potentially appealing to both horror aficionados and mainstream action audiences. For Lionsgate, 'Day Drinker' fits into a broader slate of genre offerings aimed at diversifying revenue streams in an era where streaming platforms dominate; by anchoring releases with marquee talent, the studio can drive theatrical turnout and ancillary sales. the inclusion of Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline expands the film’s demographic reach, promising cross‑generational appeal. Finally, the narrative’s blend of supernatural elements and psychological doubt positions it as a timely commentary on contemporary anxieties about reality and perception, resonating with a culture increasingly engaged in speculative storytelling. Collectively, these factors make the film a notable case study in star‑driven genre resurgence and market adaptation.

Our Take

While some critics might argue that 'Day Drinker' treads familiar tropes of revenge‑themed thrillers, the film’s promise lies in its blend of supernatural mystery and the seasoned gravitas of Johnny Depp. Depp’s return to a major studio role after years of independent work injects a fresh energy into the genre, and his partnership with Marc Webb could translate into a visually arresting narrative that transcends simple action fare. The casting of Madelyn Cline offers a relatable anchor for younger viewers, while Penélope Cruz’s seasoned presence provides depth to the ensemble. Ultimately, if the film delivers on its eerie premise and maintains a tight, suspenseful pacing, it could revive interest in theatrical releases of genre films, especially those that combine psychological intrigue with high‑concept storytelling. I expect 'Day Drinker' to be a solid addition to Lionsgate’s 2027 lineup, appealing both to fans of Depp’s previous darker roles and to audiences craving fresh supernatural thrills.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Related topics

  • #Johnny Depp
  • #Day Drinker
  • #Lionsgate
  • #Madelyn Cline

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