Johnny Depp is officially returning to the big screen in a big way. Lionsgate has confirmed that his upcoming action thriller Day Drinker will hit theaters on March 26, 2027, taking over a release date originally held by Mel Gibson's The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One. That film has now been pushed to May 6, 2027.
Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man, 500 Days of Summer), Day Drinker is one of Depp's first major Hollywood projects since his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. The film also stars Madelyn Cline (Outer Banks), Penélope Cruz (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), and Manu Ríos (Elite). Plot details remain under wraps, but the thriller promises to be a tense, high-stakes ride.
For Webb, Day Drinker is a chance to bounce back after the controversy surrounding Disney's live-action Snow White remake, which dominated social media for both valid and frustrating reasons. While some critics targeted Webb, others defended his work. Now, he's shifting gears to a gritty action thriller that could help restore his reputation—and Depp's.
Depp's return to mainstream cinema has been gradual. In addition to Day Drinker, he's attached to Paramount's holiday film Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. But the biggest news for fans might be the possibility of him reprising his most iconic role: Captain Jack Sparrow. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has hinted that the sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film, described as a soft reboot, may already have a place for Sparrow in the script.
The shifting release calendar also highlights the ongoing competition among studios. With Day Drinker taking over a prime spring slot, it's clear Lionsgate is betting big on Depp's star power. Meanwhile, Gibson's biblical sequel will now arrive in early May, a spot often reserved for blockbuster hopefuls.
For fans of action thrillers, 2027 is shaping up to be an exciting year. If you're looking for more edge-of-your-seat recommendations, check out our list of Top 10 Psychological Thrillers of the Last 20 Years or dive into 7 Action Gems You've Been Sleeping On. And for those who prefer streaming, don't miss Prime Video's 94% RT Crime Thriller 'ZeroZeroZero'.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest updates on Day Drinker and more.
