Johnny Depp is back in his pirate gear, and no, it’s not for another Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The actor surprised kids at Donostia University Hospital in San Sebastian, Spain by showing up as Captain Jack Sparrow.
The actor dusted off the costume for a wholesome cause and fans are swooning.
Depp has been in Spain to promote his latest film, Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness (a movie about Italian artist Modigliani, not a secret biopic of India’s Prime Minister).
Embed from Getty ImagesBut in true pirate fashion, he veered off course to bring some joy to the hospital’s pediatric ward on September 26. The San Sebastian Film Festival arranged the visit.
The hospital later posted a thank-you, expressing “infinite gratitude to Johnny Depp for his time, his support, and his energy.”
Embed from Getty ImagesClearly, the man’s still got it — even without a ship full of misfits.
Depp “shared laughs and anecdotes” with patients during the visit, helping them “forget for a few minutes the difficulties they are going through,” according to the hospital’s statement.
Naturally, the hospital staff were thrilled about Depp’s impromptu hospital visit.
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to the hospital’s post, Depp’s appearance “was a gift that brought joy to patients, families, nursing professionals, doctors, and all the staff who were working on the ward at the time.”
Of course, Captain Jack wouldn’t be Captain Jack without his quirky charm…
Depp stayed in character the entire visit, making it an experience straight out of the Pirates franchise for the kids and staff.
Embed from Getty ImagesThose who follow Depp’s personal life, however, are probably aware that Spain is where his ex-wife Amber Heard — with whom he shares a tumultuous past, to say the least — now lives.
Fortunately, she seemed unfazed by the actor’s hospital appearance.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen asked, she told outlets, “I’m very lucky to be here, and regarding my past, I don’t feel like thinking or talking about it, because I’m happy and in peace.”
For those who somehow missed the legal circus that was their relationship, Depp and Heard were married from 2015 to 2017.
Things went south quickly, with Heard accusing Depp of domestic abuse, leading to highly publicized court cases in both the UK and the US.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe messy and controversial legal battle culminated in a 2022 defamation trial that had the world glued to their screens. It was all anyone talked about for weeks, it seemed.
In the end, the jury sided with Depp, awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages. Heard, meanwhile, was awarded $2 million in her countersuit.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Depp celebrated the verdict as a win, the fallout from their relationship still lingers in the public eye. But, for now, the waters have seemingly calmed for both actors.
Despite the verdict, the court case left a lasting impact on both of their careers. Depp claimed the accusations cost him movie roles, notably his exit from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Embed from Getty ImagesHeard, on the other hand, faced immense public backlash. Though she still made an appearance in Aquaman 2. Now, it seems both have set sail on separate paths — Depp back into his creative pursuits and Heard finding peace in Spain.
Depp’s next stop? Returning to the U.S. to open an art exhibition in New York on October 4.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhether or not he brings the pirate hat remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure — his visit to the hospital brought some much-needed love and light to the Spanish hospital.
Cheers, Captain Jack!