Johnny Depp makes a rare red carpet appearance at the UK premiere of Jeanne Du Barry

Johnny Depp returns to the red carpet to premiere his French film Jean de Barry.

The 60-year-old actor posed for photos and signed autographs for fans at the film's UK premiere held at the Curzon Theater Mayfair on Monday, April 15. Depp also stood by Maïwenn, his actor and director of the film.

Speaking on stage before the screening, Depp said he felt “weirdly, strangely lucky” to have been offered the role of King Louis XV in the film, according to a report from diverse.

“When Maywin and I first met and talked about the idea of ​​me doing the movie and playing Louis Depp joked. “So you realize you came from nowhere and suddenly you end up playing the King of France.”

Depp added: “It didn't make sense to me; I tried to talk her out of it. But she wouldn't hear it and had so much courage to include me in her cast.”

jean de barry, Depp's first film role following his controversial trial in Virginia with ex-wife Amber Heard, had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. It also stars Benjamin Lavergne, Pierre Richard, Melvil Poupaud, and Pascal Gregory.

At a press conference in Cannes at the time, Depp joked: “So I thought it was very brave [Maïwenn] To choose some hillbillies from Kentucky to play Louis XV. Very brave.”

He added: “I was ready for it right away, and I wanted to do it. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't stepping out of my box into someone else's box. Getting into other people's things and culture, ideas, weirdness but I'm glad it lasted and I'm glad I persisted.”

The film revolves around Jeanne Faubernier, “a working-class woman determined to climb the social ladder, using her charms to escape her impoverished life.” She soon had a “love at first sight” moment with King Louis XV.

Never miss a story – sign up for it People's free daily newsletter To stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Through this charming concubine, the king rediscovers his appetite for life and feels that he can no longer live without her. Making Jane his last official mistress, a scandal erupts as no one at court would accept a girl from the streets in their rarefied world.” Adds summary.

Jean de Barry will It will be released in the US in over 500 theaters nationwide starting May 2 from Fathom Events.