Tim Burton has reflected on his ‘special connection’ with Johnny Depp and his favourite thing about working with the actor.
Filmaker Burton, 64, has worked with Depp, 59, on numerous occasions for projects including Edward Scissorhands (1990), Corpse Bride (2005), and Alice in Wonderland (2010).
In fact, the pair have collaborated on eight films and are close friends away from the screen too, and have achieved success with many of their projects.
Speaking about why he and Depp work so well together, Burton shared that their ideas are similar and, upon their first meeting, felt like they bonded over both being ‘white trash.’
‘I first met him when I did Edward Scissorhands. He was a bit similar to me, kind of suburban, white trash, whatever – we connected on some kind of level,’ Burton told Deadline.
Getting candid about their relationship, gothic fantasy and horror filmmaker praised Depp for his ability to ‘transform.’
Depp has become famous for his versatility, with each of his characters often worlds apart, from Willy Wonka to Captain Jack Sparrow.
‘It wasn’t even a verbal understanding, it was just somebody I could feel liked to do characters, who was interested in acting for the art of it and not so much for the business of it.
‘He was somebody who would play Scissorhands or Edward [in Edward Wood] and all these different things,’ he said.
Burton added that it’s ‘always exciting’ to see an actor ‘play different things’ rather than ‘being one thing from one film to another.’
‘His transformation from film to film has always excited me.’
The duo’s long-standing work relationship seems to have taken a break over recent years, perhaps due to Depp’s legal battle with ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Their last collaboration was 2012’s Dark Shadows, which didn’t exactly receive rave reviews, however, Burton and Depp are rumoured to be working together once again on Beetlejuice 2.
It was reported earlier this year that Depp will star alongside Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Geena Davis, who are said to be reprising their roles in the Burton-directed sequel to the 1980s classic.
Speculation began when fans spotted Depp’s name on a call sheet for the film, but it is yet to be confirmed whether he will appear.
As for Depp’s personal life, that is also being brought to life on the big screen, with a film in the works about his libel trial with Aquaman actress Heard.
Titled, Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial the movie will star Days of Our Lives alumni Mark Hapka as Depp, while former American Horror Story actress Megan Davis will portray Heard.
