Update: A studio rep has confirmed that rampant online reports are inaccurate: “‘Minamata’ was not released this past weekend. MGM had postponed the release due to the pandemic and no new date has been set yet,” the film’s publicist told The Post. MGM confirmed, adding: “The film is currently unset for 2021. When we have additional information on a US release date, we will let you know.”
Johnny Depp’s box office acclaim has allegedly joined his recent critical disdain.
The once-revered actor’s new flick, “Minamata,” reportedly had a dismal opening weekend after being released in US theaters on Friday, Feb. 5. While the 57-year-old could previously rake in more than $10 million for a single scene, failing to rank in the box office top 18 over the three-day weekend appeared to suggest the film brought in less than $15,000, according to IMDB Pro’s Box Office Mojo and Screen Rant.
While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted movie incomes industry-wide, such a ranking would have landed “Minamata” behind the Serbian historical drama “Dara of Jasenovac,” which reportedly raked in just $15,011, as well as the slasher comedy “Freaky,” which hit theaters 13 weeks ago and made $25,000 over the weekend.
However, some fans complained online that they couldn’t find the film listed on ticket-buying sites or on major movie streaming platforms, leading to much confusion about whether the film even made its officially announced Feb. 5 release date.
“Minamata” is based on the same-name book about Life magazine war photographer W. Eugene Smith, whose travels in Japan documented the effects of mercury poisoning in a small town. Portraying Smith, Depp looks nothing like himself and is “all but unrecognizable behind sun damage, liver spots and a sparse, spackled-on beard — in what feels like an extension of the gonzo Hunter S. Thompson performance he delivered in ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,’ ” according to Variety’s review of the flick.
The film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2020 and was significantly Depp’s creation, its director told Deadline last year. “This is Johnny’s concept, Johnny’s idea, something that he felt quite passionate about,” Andrew Levitas said.
While COVID-19 continues to undeniably be a huge financial blow to new releases, so does Depp’s recent legal fallout after losing a libel case with a British newspaper over allegations of repeatedly abusing his ex-wife, Amber Heard. “You simply can’t work with him now,” a studio head said of Depp, following the court’s decision. “He’s radioactive.”