The Unexpected Star Johnny Depp Wants To Portray In A Biopic

Johnny Depp has embodied dozens of roles over the years. With more than 100 characters to his name, including Capt. Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, The Mad Hatter, and Sweeney Todd, it's hard to believe there are any more icons for him to assume. Despite a difficult few years, it seems Depp's making a comeback, though he isn't interested in reviving his role of Jack Sparrow in any future "Pirates of the Caribbean" films.

After Depp's trial against ex-wife Amber Heard came to a close, an anonymous former Disney executive told People that Depp would probably return to the "Pirates" franchise. "I absolutely believe post-verdict that "Pirates" is primed for rebooting with Johnny as Capt. Jack back on board," the former exec told the outlet. "There is just too much potential box-office treasure for a beloved character deeply embedded in the Disney culture." Even though we won't be seeing Depp making a return as Capt. Jack anytime soon, we may very well see him as an entirely different icon. In fact, Depp originally stated his desire to star in this icon's biopic more than a decade ago!

In 2009, Johnny Depp surprised everyone by revealing his dream role to the Mirror UK. The then 44-year-old actor told the outlet that he'd be willing to play a preteen girl if someone asked him to, though he thinks that technology could help transform him into his ultimate acting dream. "My dream role would be to play musical legend Carol Channing in a biopic of her life," he told the outlet. "I love her, I really do. She's amazing."

When she was still alive (Channing died in 2019), Channing gave Depp her blessing to play her in a future biopic film. Per Vulture, Channing seemed wholeheartedly onboard with the idea. "Men have been imitating me for as long as I can remember," she told the outlet. "In fact, most of the impersonations I have seen have had a five-o'clock shadow." Channing isn't wrong — there is even a Forbidden Broadway song from 1995 in her honor titled "Carol Channing Sequence; Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery." Channing has always been a good sport. It would be a lot of fun to see Depp take on his most challenging role yet, especially since he's such a big fan of Channing's work!

While we eagerly await a Carol Channing biopic starring Johnny Depp, the actor is taking up the director's chair for another biographical film. Depp is set to direct "Modigliani," his first directorial work in 25 years, with Al Pacino producing, according to Variety. "Modigliani" will focus on 48 crucial hours in the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani in 1916 Paris, which catapulted him to fame, according to the outlet.

"The saga of Mr. Modigliani's life is one that I'm incredibly honored, and truly humbled, to bring to the screen," Depp said in a statement (via The Hollywood Reporter). "It was a life of great hardship, but eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can identify with." THR added that the movie is based on Dennis McIntyre's play by the same name, which received its New York premiere in 1978. The film is currently in pre-production without any update on when it will be released in theaters.