Johnny Depp shone brightly in his comeback role after years of battling for his reputation with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

The actor gave an interview after his comeback and shared his feelings.

During a 7-minute standing ovation, Depp held back tears. Meanwhile, his fans were shocked to see his “literally rotten” teeth.

Johnny Depp was embroiled in controversy for a long time due to the legal battle he had with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

In the highly publicized defamation trial, Heard accused Depp of abuse, but the jury sided in the actor’s favor.

Depp made a significant comeback after battling for his reputation, being recognized for his role at the Cannes Film Festival premiere.

Depp’s attendance at the festival marked his first public appearance since his legal battle with Heard ended in 2022.

During the opening of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in Paris, France, Depp received a 7-minute standing ovation.

He had starred in the biographical drama “Jeanne Du Bary,” portraying King Louis XV. As the audience gave him a standing ovation, Depp looked surprised and held back tears but waved to the crowd from the balcony.

The “Black Mass” star also received a warm reception upon arriving in Cannes. Thousands of supportive fans, who had carried signs outside the Palais, tried to touch their idol.

Many fans succeeded, with Depp spending five minutes outside before gracing the red carpet.

“Jeanne Du Bary” marked Depp’s first high-profile acting role since concluding his legal battle against Heard.

Depp had mainly stayed on the sidelines in Hollywood after Heard accused him of abuse, despite the jury ruling in his favor.

In this latest film, Maïwenn stars as Jeanne Vaubernier, who was also the director and producer of the film. Vaubernier, an 18th-century working-class woman, rose to become King Louis XV’s lover, making her a social pariah despite her close connection to the king. Other actors in the film include Pascal Greggory, Benjamin Lavernhe, Melvil Poupaud, and Pierre Richard.

Depp also gave an interview at the Cannes Film Festival, stating he wouldn’t let his high-profile legal battle with Heard define him.

While Depp received a positive reception at the festival, Heard’s friends criticized the event organizers for inviting him.

Journalist and friend of Heard, Eve Barlow, stated that the event organizers have a “history of supporting (…) and abusers.”

However, festival director Thierry Fremaux said he was unaware of Depp’s image in the U.S. and was only acting within the law:

“It’s the freedom of thinking, and the freedom of speech and acting within a legal framework. If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned, we wouldn’t be here talking about it.”

Fremaux pointed out that the person to question was Maïwenn, as she chose Depp for the film. He added he was not in a position to debate Depp’s legal battle with Heard:

“If there’s one person in this world who didn’t find the least interest in this very publicized trial, it’s me. I don’t know what it’s about. I also care about Johnny Depp as an actor.”

Aside from the warm reception and backlash from Heard’s friends, Depp was also the center of online discussions due to his physical appearance.

Fans who saw Depp’s pictures from the festival online were repulsed by his teeth, noting they were “literally rotting.” One fan exclaimed, “oh dear lord,” upon seeing images of Depp’s teeth.

This isn’t the first time fans have commented on Depp’s appearance; a fan once remarked he looked “homeless.” Despite looking dashing on the red carpet at the festival, fans focused on Depp’s teeth, with one commenting:

“Johnny Depp’s new movie, #JeanneDuBarry, debuts with a Metacritic score of 51, an F rating. The score is currently as yellow as his teeth. Congratulations!”

The images of Depp’s teeth disturbed users, with one person saying they didn’t want to see Depp’s teeth after seeing every image against their will. Another fan said Depp’s teeth looked like someone had grabbed and painted them black.

An online user defended Depp, saying, “He has too much money to have teeth like that. Maybe he’s shooting another pirates movie, lol.” Another user added Depp’s teeth resembled those printed on cigarette packs. One individual commented:

“Yeah, he smokes tobacco/hash spliffs 24/7 been doin so for like 10 years. That’s what I read in the Rolling Stone article, at least [sic].”

Another person noted that just seeing the pictures of Depp’s teeth was enough to ruin their mood. More users stated Depp’s teeth made him look unattractive:

“If u post a pic of johnny depp i will block u because that man is so ugly. i deadass get chills just thinking of his face [sic].”

Online users suggested starting a petition for the actor to have his teeth examined by a dentist. One person added, “He better book his appointment for them veneers the way his teeth looking.”

However, some suggested Depp’s teeth appeared to be rotting due to preparation for a “new Jack Sparrow role.”

More people defended Depp, insisting that actors are human beings and should be allowed to look unappealing as part of being realistic and engaging in real life.

Depp also gave an interview at the Cannes Film Festival, reiterating that he wouldn’t let his legal battle with Heard define him.

The “City of Lies” actor asked people not to judge him based on his legal battles. The legal battle with Heard significantly impacted the actor’s career, causing him to lose roles, including his part in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise.

However, Depp’s movie career appears to remain intact, as he has already featured in a high-profile film. He noted:

“Comeback is a weird thing because… I didn’t go anywhere. People may have made sure that I was not looked at favorably – powerful press, powerful media, for whatever reasons.”

The 60-year-old also advised those judging him to focus on their families and take a day off work to judge the people close to them.

He encouraged people to reflect on their fathers, uncles, and brothers to see if they have always been wonderful:

“Look around you first before you start passing judgment on someone that you have no idea what that person has been through, who they are.”

Depp, who had been out of the public eye for a while, seemed happy at the Cannes Film Festival as he engaged with fans, took selfies, and signed autographs.