‘We definitely wanted this instead of a continuation to thousands of shows we actually loved that got cancelled’
The court case that never seemed to end between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is now getting the Netflix treatment.
Just over a year since Depp won the case and a $10 million payout – he never got – Depp V Heard is coming to the streaming service, with a trailer clocking up over 600,000 views since going live Thursday.
The synopsis says three-part documentary will examine “the infamous defamation case that captured the world’s attention and became the world’s first trial by TikTok.
“Showing both testimonies side-by-side for the first time, this series explores this global media event, questioning the nature of truth and the role it plays in our modern society.”
The first comment under the YouTube trailer has 3.6k likes and reads: “Yes we definitely wanted this instead of a continuation to thousands of shows we actually loved that got cancelled.”
The courtroom drama is directed by Emma Cooper, who made Netflix’s 2022 doc The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes.
According to an article about the new docuseries on Netflix’s Tudum, Depp v. Heard has the “goal of presenting a neutral overview of what happens when the court of public opinion starts to overshadow reality.”
Since the trial, there have been several documentaries about the case, plus a Tubi original movie titled Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial, People noted.
Depp won his defamation suit against Heard – sparked by a 2018 op-ed in ex-wife wrote in the Washington Post he said implied he was abusive – on June 1.
The actor won all three counts of defamation concerning and was awarded $10.35 million in damages ($10 million in compensatory damages (£8m) and $5 million in punitive damages. This was later reduced to $300,000.
Heard was awarded $2m in what was the most high-profile celebrity trial in recent history and one that was marred by personal social media attacks on Heard.
She later told NBC News that she didn’t “blame” the jury: “I don’t blame them, I actually understand. He’s a beloved character and people feel they know him. He’s a fantastic actor.”
Several appeals and counterappeals were subsequently launched, but in December, Heard confirmed that she and Depp reached a settlement and both dropped their appeals.
She said of that “very difficult” decision: “I finally have an opportunity to emancipate myself from something I attempted to leave over six years ago and on terms I can agree to.” “I have made no admission. This is not an act of concession. There are no restrictions or gags with respect to my voice moving forward.”
Heard paid Depp $1 million which he then donate to charity.
Depp v. Heard is on Netflix August 16.
Related links:
Cash-strapped Depp takes out huge loan as he struggles to revive acting career
Johnny Depp turned up by helicopter to UK antiques shop just to look at guitars
Pirates of the Caribbean producer wants to bring Johnny Depp back to franchise
