Al Pacino Calls Johnny Depp ‘Wonderful and Wild’—Inside Their Unlikely, Enduring Friendship

At 84, Al Pacino has seen and experienced a lifetime of cinema, yet one of his most enduring and cherished relationships is with actor-director Johnny Depp, who, at 61, has walked a similarly transformative path in Hollywood. In an exclusive interview with People magazine published on October 16, 2024, Pacino shared a heartfelt reflection on his decades-long friendship with Depp, offering insight into their personal connection, their professional collaboration, and the deep bond that has withstood the tests of time.

Collaboration and Creative Synergy: A Return to the Big Screen

One of the highlights of Pacino’s recent interview was his discussion of their latest project together, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness (2024), which marks their first big-screen collaboration since the 1997 crime drama Donnie Brasco. In this new film, based on Dennis McIntyre’s play about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, Pacino stars as Maurice Gangnat, a real-life French art collector, while Depp takes on the director’s chair—a return to directing after nearly three decades, following The Brave in 1997.

Pacino’s reflections on their work together were filled with warmth and admiration for Depp’s creative vision. He described Depp as “wild” and “wonderful,” emphasizing that it was “fun” to work with him. “He is a wild fella and he is very creative, and it was fun to work with him. It really was,” Pacino said, highlighting the unique energy Depp brings to his projects. This collaboration isn’t just a professional partnership; it’s a deepening of their longstanding friendship and creative alliance. The two actors have spoken about the idea of a Modigliani film as far back as their time on the set of Donnie Brasco, as reported by Variety, and Modi brings that vision to life.

The film also represents a significant moment in Depp’s career, coming on the heels of his legal victory over Amber Heard in 2022. Depp, reflecting on the experience of directing Modi, called it a “fulfilling and transformative experience,” and expressed his gratitude toward the cast, especially Pacino, for helping bring the film to fruition.

Friendship Beyond the Screen

While their professional ties are clearly strong, Pacino also offered a glimpse into the more personal side of his relationship with Depp. Despite their enduring friendship, Pacino revealed that he and Depp “rarely see each other” and hadn’t met in person for “years” before reuniting for Modi. Nonetheless, he emphasized the authenticity of their connection, calling it a “special category” of friendship that is “real.” This sentiment is especially poignant considering Pacino’s reflections on the sadness of losing friends as he ages.

Pacino jokingly referred to their reunions as “a couple of toddlers,” showcasing the playful, lighthearted nature of their bond. This reflection not only highlights their deep personal affection but also the enduring joy they bring to one another’s lives, despite the passage of time and the physical distance between them.

Their friendship is also captured in other meaningful ways. One of the more personal touches to their relationship is Depp’s artwork, which includes a portrait of Pacino in his Friends & Heroes collection. In describing Pacino, Depp called him “truly one of the most caring, sensitive, beautiful, unique men” he has ever met, further cementing the depth of their connection beyond the film set.

Context and Broader Impact

The interview with People was part of a larger conversation surrounding the release of Pacino’s memoir, Sonny Boy, which may have prompted the actor to reflect on his life and relationships. The timing of the interview in October 2024, coinciding with the release of Modi, suggests that Pacino’s reflections on his friendship with Depp were carefully timed to promote both the film and his memoir.

This public acknowledgment of their relationship has sparked discussions among fans, particularly in online spaces like Reddit, where users have speculated on Depp’s reputation and Pacino’s enduring relevance in the industry. However, Pacino’s reflection on his friendship with Depp transcends public speculation, offering a rare glimpse into the personal connection that has withstood the pressures of fame and the complexities of their respective careers.

A Bond That Endures

The relationship between Al Pacino and Johnny Depp is a testament to the enduring power of friendship in the world of Hollywood. Through their shared professional experiences, particularly their latest collaboration on Modi, and the personal respect they have for one another, Pacino and Depp have cultivated a bond that continues to inspire both on and off the screen. As their friendship moves forward, the sincerity and warmth between them are clear, serving as a reminder of the lasting connections that can be forged in an industry often known for its fleeting nature.