Johnny Depp transformation for new role leaves fans stunned in Hollywood return after Amber Heard trial

Johnny Depp's new look has left fans shocked after photos of his Hollywood return were released online.

The 61-year-old's movie comeback will see him star in the upcoming flick Day Drinker.

Directed by Marc Webb and starring the likes of Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline as part of the cast, the upcoming action-thriller is sure to turn a few heads.

It will be Depp's first appearance in a Hollywood film since his very public civil defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard from April to June 2022.

He had argued that her op-ed in the Washington Post, published in 2018, which described Depp as a domestic abuser, was defamatory.

After a court case that went viral online due to it being livestreamed, the jury awarded Depp $10.35 million in damages, while Heard was awarded $2 million in a counterclaim.

But years on from that verdict, fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean actor can finally look forward to an American title that he will be starring in, having made an appearance in 2023's Jeanne Du Barry, a historical drama that was fully in French.

Depp will be in the lead role for the film, which is said to follow a cruise ship bartender who meets a mysterious day drinker and is subsequently pulled into the criminal underworld.

But for the role, Depp will be taking on a brand new look, one that has rarely been seen before in his previous roles.

In snaps released by Lionsgate on social media, Depp can be seen in a suave blue suit (nothing new there), with blue eyes, a head of silver hair and a long grey beard with a cocktail in his hand as he looks into the distance while leaning on a bar.

Depp has undergone an appearance transformation for the role (Lionsgate)

Fans were quick to comment on the Instagram post, with one writing: "Did not realise that was Johnny Depp till I read the caption!"

Another said: "Johnny Depp absolutely rocking the silver fox look during filming of Day Drinker! This movie is going to be amazing!"

A third added: "The grey looks amazing on him," with a different user agreeing: "Love this look! Very distinguished!"

While it is unclear if he'll permanently adopt the grey look, its reveal has already caused a frenzy.

Some fans even compared the look to Depp's portrayal of Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts films, which he was forced to resign from amidst his court cases.

Another fan pointed out: "Shout out to the makeup department for the amazing transformation."

Depp looks strikingly different to the appearance that he's known for (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Depp will also be sharing the screen with fellow seasoned actor Penélope Cruz, with Day Drinker set to be the pair's fourth appearance together.

It follows Blow, Murder on the Orient Express, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.