Johnny Depp is making headlines once again as he gears up to produce and possibly star in an English adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s acclaimed novel, The Master and Margarita. This announcement comes on the heels of Depp receiving a custom artwork depicting his iconic character Captain Jack Sparrow in the One Piece style, crafted by the creator of the anime, showcasing the actor’s continued influence in both the film and pop culture arenas.
The film’s details were unveiled at the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, revealing that there is currently no director attached to the project. Nevertheless, Depp’s company, IN.2 Film, will be collaborating with producers from Jeanne du Barry, the 2023 film that starred Depp. Production is slated to begin in late 2026, as per reports.
This new venture marks the ongoing collaboration between Depp and producer Svetlana Dali, who previously executive produced Jeanne du Barry. Grace Loh will also be lending her expertise to this adaptation, which is being produced in partnership with Tribune Pictures.
The Master and Margarita, which first saw light in the 1960s after Bulgakov’s death, tells a rich, imaginative story set in 1930s Moscow and Jerusalem during the reign of Pontius Pilate. The narrative involves the devil returning to Moscow, accompanied by his talking cat, creating chaos amidst the city’s corrupt populace. Interwoven in this tale is the story of a struggling writer and his lover, Margarita, who seeks to rescue him from a totalitarian regime. This darkly comedic novel has been embraced for its philosophical insights and remains profoundly relevant in today’s world, highlighting art’s capacity to challenge and inspire.
Although no casting announcements have been made yet, including whether Depp himself will portray any roles, speculation around a release is pointing toward 2027.
After navigating through a tumultuous period following his legal battles with former spouse Amber Heard, Depp has been returning to the limelight with various projects. In addition to The Master and Margarita, he is reportedly set to play Ebenezer Scrooge in an upcoming adaptation of A Christmas Carol, scheduled for release on November 13, 2026. This will mark Depp’s first significant role since 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
Moreover, Depp is involved in developing the character of Hyde for a graphic novel with director Ridley Scott and will co-star with Penélope Cruz in Lionsgate’s American action thriller, Day Drinker, which is also set for a 2026 release.
Fans of Depp are particularly eager to see whether he will recommit to his beloved role as Captain Jack Sparrow, especially as discussions about a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film come to light. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently indicated he has spoken with Depp about a potential return, suggesting that the actor would consider reprising his role if the script piques his interest.
Johnny Depp is undoubtedly navigating a promising path toward reviving his career, and The Master and Margarita could be a pivotal project in that journey, showcasing his artistic versatility and resilience in an ever-evolving industry.