The Cannes Film Festival is undoubtedly a major day in the world of film, but Johnny Depp’s appearance at the event became the talk of the season. In attendance for his newest project, Jeanne du Barry, Depp informed the festival’s audience that he “[does not] think about Hollywood.”

The French biographical drama served as the opening film for the Cannes Film Festival with Depp starring as King Louis XV and the film’s director, Maïwenn, starring as Jeanne du Barry. According to Hollywood Reporter, Depp and the team behind the project were warmly welcomed at Cannes and Depp was even acknowledged with a four-minute standing ovation that brought the actor to tears. The film also served as Depp’s first film credit following the publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, a topic that would later be mentioned during the press conference which followed the film’s premiere.

The trial, which took place from April 11 to June 1, 2022, was ruled on allegations of defamation from Heard to Depp after Heard accused her ex-husband of alleged sexual and domestic abuse in an op-ed published by The Washington Post. Having winnin victory over the case, Depp’s argument included statements of the actor losing out on work opportunities as a consequence of Heard’s claims, notably having been dropped from Warner Bros.’ franchise, Fantastic Beasts, back in 2021.

“Did I feel boycotted by Hollywood? Well, you’d have to not have a pulse to feel at that point like this was all just a weird joke,” he replied. “Of course, when you’re asked to resign from a film you’re doing because of something that’s merely a bunch of vowels and consonants floating in the air… Do I feel boycotted now? No, not at all. But I don’t feel boycotted, because I don’t think about Hollywood. I don’t feel much further need for Hollywood…”

The actor also refused to view this film’s premiere as a major comeback to Hollywood, stating, “I keep wondering about the word ‘comeback’ because I didn’t go anywhere… ”

Jeanne du Barry follows Jeanne Vaubernier, a working-class woman who utilizes her charm and intellect to climb her way through the social ladder of France. Vaubernier crosses paths with King Louis XV, and they fall madly in love, the King being unaware of her social background. The film follows the public outbursts and talks which crop up as Vaubernier moves to Versailles with the heir.