The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial is already getting the movie treatment
Is it too soon to turn the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial into a movie? Not according to Tubi.
The streaming service has released the first trailer for its original movie Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial, a dramatization of the infamous celebrity defamation trial less than four months after the verdict.
Mark Hapka stars in the film as Depp, who sued his ex-wife, Heard, for defamation over an op-ed she wrote. Heard is played by Megan Davis in the film. In addition to recreations of the trial, the trailer shows flashbacks to Depp and Heard's relationship, including a moment where Depp becomes jealous of James Franco. Heard testified during the trial that Depp accused her of having an affair with Franco. It wasn't clear whether the film will take one side or the other when presenting these flashbacks, as both actors alleged the other abused them.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The film also features Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez, played by Melissa Marty, and Heard's lawyer Elaine Bredehoft, played by Mary Carrig. Hot Take is being released directly to the relatively obscure ad-supported streaming service Tubi, making it essentially the equivalent of a TV movie. But it's still a shockingly fast turnaround for the project, given the jury only delivered its verdict in June, finding Heard defamed Depp. Heard is still appealing it.
Tubi's chief content officer Adam Lewinson previously said the project was fast-tracked "to capture a timely take on a story that became part of the cultural zeitgeist, painting a unique picture of what millions watched play out in the headlines over the summer," per Variety. The film is hitting Tubi this Friday, Sept. 30.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published