Not Johnny Depp, Amber Heard's comeback film stirs controversy ahead of Taormina Film Festival

'In The Fire' launch will mark actor's first public appearance since highly publicised legal battles with ex-husband

The world of cinema is waiting for Amber Heard to make her much-awaited comeback at the prestigious Taormina Film Festival with her latest film, In The Fire. However, the festival's decision to showcase Heard's movie amidst ongoing disputes with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, has sparked a storm of controversy on social media. Depp’s Jeanne du Barry will also premiere at the Italian festival.

In The Fire marks Heard's return to the silver screen. The supernatural thriller directed by Conor Allyn, set in 1899, follows a psychiatrist as she arrives on a farm to solve the case of a disturbed child following accusations that the child is the devil. The launch will mark her first public appearance since her highly publicised legal battles with Depp.

Known as the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards, the Taormina Film Festival has a rich history spanning over six decades. As it gears up for its 69th edition in Sicily, Italy, fans perceive the inclusion of Heard's movie as a blemish on the festival's storied history. “Who wants to see a talentless actor known as an abusive liar who has withheld millions from sick and dying kids? A woman who stepped on the shoulders of real victims to make much money,” wrote a user on Twitter under Deadline’s report on Heard’s comeback film.

Who wants to see a talentless actress who is known as an abusive liar and has withhold millions from sick and dying kids. A woman who stepped on the shoulders of real victims to make much money.

— Murmeltier🍩❤💙❤🏴‍☠️ (@rentier13) June 12, 2023

The festival has included both Depp and Heard’s film. Supporters of Depp argue that Taormina Film Festival is snubbing the Pirates actor by featuring Heard's film, accusing the festival of endorsing an alleged liar and manipulator.

“Movie sounds like awful garbage juice. I’d rather go watch paint dry than give one dollar or one minute of my time to supporting an abuser. It’s disappointing to see film festivals give a platform to self-admitted abusers, but you know,” read a tweet. 

Movie sounds like awful garbage juice. I’d rather go watch paint dry then give one dollar or one minute of my time to supporting an abuser. It’s disappointing to see film festivals give a platform to self admitted abusers but you know 💵 #AmberHeardIsALiar #AmberHeardIsFinished https://t.co/bsSZaPtWuT

— MoShellshocker (@mo_shellshocker) June 13, 2023

Meanwhile, the Aquaman actor’s fans emphasise the need to stand with survivors, rallying for Hollywood to take a unified stance against abuse.

If you told me a year ago this would be the outcome of #that trial I would not believe you, nature is healing. https://t.co/6mmGrhKuWE

— ST★RBOY (@ih8mydad) June 12, 2023

“So excited to finally see this! It looks so good and I’m happy to see Amber’s work. Amber deserves all her flowers. For putting up with that man’s abuse, strongly fighting against his smear campaign and litigation abuse, and dealing with the hate from his unhinged fanbase,” tweeted a fan.

So excited to finally see this!! It looks so good and I’m happy to see Amber’s work.

Amber deserves all her flowers. For putting up with that man’s abuse, strongly fighting against his smear campaign and litigation abuse, and dealing with the hate from his unhinged fanbase. https://t.co/j0hhwK7n6S

— Mrs. Whoreance (@WendyTsRevenge) June 12, 2023

Referring to Depp’s film getting a standing ovation at Cannes, a user took a dig at Heard and wrote, “Not everyone can launch a movie at Cannes.”

Not everyone can launch a movie at Cannes https://t.co/EhJj5n9O5m

— 𝔂𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓪 🤍 (@planetaintshit) June 12, 2023

Earlier this month, Depp was back in full celebrity mode, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans before the Cannes Film Festival's opening film Jeanne du Barry premiere, which marked the actor's first major role since his high-profile defamation trial.

Fans in the French Riviera city were hoisting signs that read "Congrats, Johnny" and "We are sorry" with a heart. Twitterati pointed out the hypocrisy of fans for supporting Depp, and not Heard.