In recent years, Johnny Depp has gotten all the wrong kinds of attention in Hollywood. While many knew him for his excellent acting, the world shifted their focus to his personal life during his trial with Amber Heard. However, after his triumph in the public altercation with his ex-wife, he went straight back to his craft and starred in Jeanne du Barry.

Johnny Depp as King Louis XV in a still from Jeanne du Barry I Le Pacte
Recently, the director of the film, Maïwenn, talked about what it was like to work with him. It would seem that the process wasn’t as smooth as many would think, and the reason isn’t as bad as many would think.

Johnny Depp Wasn’t Easy To Work With

Recently, the director of Jeanne du Barry, Maïwenn, gave an interview with The Independent, where she talked about what it was like for her to film the 2023 film. She put a specific focus on Johnny Depp and the experience of working with a legend like him. It would seem that filming a movie with the Oscar nominee wasn’t a joy ride, as many would think.

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.

Johnny Depp in a still from Jeanne Du Barry I Le Pacte
During the interview, the French director revealed that she found working with Depp to be quite difficult. Specifically, she mentioned that filming with the actor was quite challenging because she felt that she had to walk on eggshells around him.

I mean, even if he was there on set, on time, the crew were afraid of him.

Johnny Depp as King Louis XV in a still from Jeanne du Barry I Le Pacte
She wasn’t the only person to think so, as she mentioned that the entire cast and crew were quite intimidated and scared of him. While many would jump to wild conclusions to find the reasoning for this, the truth is a lot simpler.

Johnny Depp is Too Professional?

Over the years, Johnny Depp has starred in some of the most successful projects of all time. He has played all kinds of characters and worked with all kinds of people. Thanks to this, he has also gained many connections and people who would account for how professional he is on set. With this in mind, one cannot help but wonder why the cast and crew were so hesitant and skittish around him.

A still from Jeanne du Barry I Le Pacte
Maïwenn went on to explain exactly this later in the interview. It would seem that the intimidation did not come out of fear but respect. Depp is known for having an acting process of his own, going deep into whatever character he is playing in order to give the most convincing performance possible.

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 this has helped him gain the reputation he now has, it also puts him on a completely different wavelength compared to those around him. The French director spoke on exactly this, mentioning that his process got quite intimidating for the cast and crew.