Johnny Depp’s Las Vegas photo call takes an unexpected turn as he bites into the backdrop

Johnny Depp found an unusual way to pose for photographers during his latest Las Vegas appearance, biting leaves from a decorative hedge behind him.

The actor, 63, attended Drink Las Vegas at Park MGM, where he was filmed holding a glass before turning his attention to the greenery. Wearing a black waistcoat, a cowboy hat and orange-tinted sunglasses, Johnny posed with a leaf in his mouth during the unexpected photo opportunity.

Johnny Depp’s unexpected party moment

Johnny was filmed pulling a leaf from the artificial hedge with his teeth, briefly holding it in his mouth before spitting it out. He then returned to the backdrop, biting off a stem with several leaves attached and posing with the greenery hanging from his mouth as he raised his glass. The sequence was reported as a playful moment during the event.

© Getty Images for CinemaCon

The appearance formed part of Drink Las Vegas, a four-day food and drink festival running from September 24 to 27. Its programme brings chefs, drinks specialists and celebrity guests together across MGM Resorts properties, including Bellagio, ARIA, The Cosmopolitan and Park MGM. 

A new look in Day Drinker

The outing coincided with a fresh look at Johnny’s next screen role, following the release of the first Day Drinker teaser this week. Directed by Marc Webb, the thriller stars Johnny alongside Madelyn Cline and Penélope Cruz and is scheduled to reach cinemas on March 26, 2027.

© Samir Hussein

Madelyn plays a bartender aboard a private yacht who encounters Johnny’s mysterious guest. Their meeting draws them into the world of a dangerous criminal, played by Penélope, with connections emerging between the characters as the story unfolds.

The film also gives Johnny a markedly different appearance. Early promotional imagery showed him with grey hair and a beard, offering a departure from the dark-haired look associated with many of his best-known characters.

Reuniting with Penélope Cruz

Day Drinker marks Johnny and Penélope’s fourth film together, continuing a screen partnership that stretches back more than two decades.

© Getty Images

They previously appeared in Blow, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Murder on the Orient Express. Their latest collaboration began filming in Spain in April 2025, with a supporting cast that includes Manu Ríos, Arón Piper and Juan Diego Botto.

Johnny has also been working behind the camera. He directed Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, following his return to acting in the French period drama Jeanne du Barry. His latest projects extend that run of work, with Day Drinker bringing him back to a leading role in a major Hollywood production.