‘Jeanne du Barry’ / ‘La Favorite’ Johnny Depp Movie: What We Know So Far

What we know so far about Johnny Depp's big return to the big screen and whether it'll be on Netflix.

Tigran Asatryan What's on Netflix Avatar

johnny depp in jeanne du barry movie

La Favorite / Jeanne Du Barry – IN.2 FILM

Netflix will distribute the upcoming French film La Favorite (fka Jeanne du Barry) about the titular woman and her king and lover, Louis XV, directed by Maiwenn and starring Johnny Depp. Netflix has only been confirmed to carry the movie in France thus far, and it’s still unclear whether the rest of the world will stream it but here’s what we do know so far.

The movie, first announced in January 2022, is directed by Maiwenn herself. Maiwenn co-wrote the script with Teddy Lussi-Modeste. Jeanne du Barry is Maïwenn’s sixth feature and most ambitious production to date after Cannes 2011 Jury Prize winner Polisse. The movie is also known as ‘La Favorite’.

Bloomberg first announced Netflix would be carrying the movie in July 2022. According to the outlet, the producers will use the producer’s acquisition of the film’s rights to help finance the production. Netflix won’t otherwise be involved in the making of the picture.

maiwenn director johnny depp movie

CANNES, FRANCE – JULY 14: Maiwenn attends the “Tralala” photocall during the 74th annual Cannes Film Festival on July 14, 2021 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

Pascal Caucheteux and Grégoire Sorlat’s Why Not is lead producing with IN.2 Film (the new company established by Depp in 2021) and France Télévisions also on board as producers. Here’s everything else we know about Netflix’s Jeanne du Barry.


What’s the plot of La Favorite / Jeanne du Barry?

Here’s the synopsis for the movie:

Jeanne, a young working-class woman hungry for culture and pleasure, uses her intelligence and allure to climb the rungs of the social ladder one by one. She becomes the favourite of King Louis XV who, unaware of her status as courtesan, regains through her his appetite for life. They fall madly in love. Against all propriety and etiquette, Jeanne moves to Versailles, where her arrival scandalizes the court…


Who is cast in La Favorite / Jeanne du Barry?

Johnny Depp et Maïwenn

The leading cast of Netflix’s Jeanne du Barry consists of famous French actress and director of the movie Maïwenn, who plays the titular character and acclaimed Hollywood character actor Johnny Depp, who will play King Louis XV.

Let’s quickly address the elephant in the room. This will be his first major role after some of his recent hurdles, which he overcame earlier this year. We’re referring to the Amber Heard case that saw Depp won earlier this year.

On the Wild also shared the first look at Depp as the king, as seen below:

JEANNE DU BARRY Johnny Depp as Louis XV

Picture: wildbunch.biz

Maiwenn and Depp will be joined by the French cinema legend Pierre Richard, who has worked on countless iconic French movies in his long career, and Louis Garrel, Melvil Poupaud, Benjamin Lavernhe, Pascal Greggory, and Noemie Lvovsky in undisclosed roles.


What’s the production status of La Favorite / Jeanne du Barry?

Production for Netflix’s Jeanne du Barry is currently taking place in France.

One of the filming locations is none other than the iconic Versailles in Paris, France, which shows that the production is sparing no expense to get authentic and good-looking locations.

Filming started on July 26, 2022 and wrapped in October 2022.

first look at jeanne du barry movie


What’s the Netflix release date for La Favorite / Jeanne du Barry?

Only Netflix in France has actually had confirmation of a release there so far, with Bloomberg confirming “the film is expected to be released in 2023 in French theaters, and will be available on Netflix France 15 months later.”

They also importantly add, “It’s not clear whether the film will be available on Netflix worldwide.”

Netflix has still yet to confirm whether or not the movie will be made available worldwide as of early 2023.

The movie is set to premiere at Cannes 2023 before releasing in cinemas in France in 2023.

Netflix France will therefore carry La Favorite from 2024/2025 onwards.


Do you want to see the new Johnny Depp movie on Netflix where you live? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Tigran is our resident previews writer. He works on collecting everything known about upcoming Netflix Original projects and also is editor-in-chief of Redanian Intelligence. Resides in France.