Johnny Depp in “Dark Shadows.” (Peter Mountain/Warner Bros.)
Johnny Depp makes transformations for a living — he’s played a poet, pirate, cop, crook, lizard, killer, candymaker, astronaut and even (shudder) an accountant — but, surprisingly, he had never portrayed a vampire until ”Dark Shadows,” opening May 11, in which he stars as the aristocratic Barnabas Collins. The movie actually adds a second unprecedented role to Depp’s career list: Now he can say he’s been the producer of a Tim Burton film.
Depp had produced just two previous films, “Hugo” and “The Rum Diary,” both released last year, but expect to see more; in 2010 his production company, Infinitum Nihil, solidified and extended its existing deal with Oscar-winning producer Graham King (“The Departed,” “The Aviator”) and an adaptation of Image Comics’ “The Vault” is among the projects in the pipeline. Years ago, Depp snapped up the rights to the old television show “Dark Shadows” and that led to Depp and King both taking on the producer role for the Warner Bros. release of the supernatural comedy-romance.
King is known as a gambling soul in Hollywood and, after recent setbacks, he could use a hit with “Dark Shadows.” We caught up with him to talk about Depp’s passion for the project.
Graham King at the London premiere of “Hugo,” a film that he and Johnny Depp produced. (Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
HC: The “Dark Shadows” name has a lot of history — ABC aired more than 1,200 episodes of the gothic soap opera – but it’s a blank spot for most moviegoers now. That may not matter at all, though, because in tone, plot and approach, this film is more about Tim Burton than the old series…
GK: No question, no question. When Johnny first talked to me about “Dark Shadows,” I have to admit, I had no idea what it was. It didn’t play overseas — it didn’t play in the U.K., that’s for sure, when I was growing up. Then obviously I did a lot of homework and looked into it and you know what, people say this is a remake of the old TV series but it’s really not. I feel it’s a very commercial, accessible film for people to go to and have a really fun time. Tim and Johnny put their stamp on it and when that happens it’s special and, for me, to be involved in that — and in a movie that is pure entertainment — is really nice.
HC: This is the eighth Burton-Depp collaboration and both of them are acutely aware of the dangers of repeating themselves. That’s probably a healthy anxiety at this point…
GK: Oh absolutely. I think whenever you see a director and actor working closely together on so many projects that [anxiety] happens quite a lot in our business. I know a couple of directors who like to work with the same actors and the reason is they have a certain chemistry; and you can certainly tell on set with Johnny and Tim that each of them kind of knows what the other is thinking. They’ve gotten to know each other so well over the years that it’s really great to see the two of them gel together and find new stories to tell and ways to challenge themselves.
“The Vault” is being developed for the screen by Infinitum Nihil and GK Films. (Image Comics)
HC: More than any other movie star of his stature, Depp finds roles where he can submerge himself in makeup and costume. You’ve been working with him for the better part of a decade now; do you wish you could see more of him in his movies, so to speak?
GK: [Laughs] Well I’ve been lucky enough to work with Johnny a few times when he’s not in all the makeup — “Rum Diaries” and “The Tourist” — and he’s so versatile that he can play any role. What I love about “Dark Shadows” is his dry sense of humor. And, as you know, Johnny carries that with him 24/7. There are moments in the movie where his response to things — just the look on his face — are hilarious. I’ve seen it over and over again and I laugh every time…. Johnny can deliver lines just without saying anything.
HC: I remember Rob Marshall saying Depp reminds him of Valentino when it comes to his “command of expression without words.” I thought that was a very insightful observation.
GK: I think, Valentino, that’s a really good analogy but to me he’s Peter Sellers as well. He has that kind of humor about him, where he can do anything in a way that makes people laugh.
HC: Depp grew up loving “Dark Shadows” — was that apparent in that first conversation you had with him about this project?
GK: Absolutely, yes, absolutely. He started telling me all of this, with a lot of excitement. I was thinking, “What is he talking about?” He was absolutely a man on a mission to play this role. He loved it when he was a kid and obviously it shows in the film. Johnny loved every minute of being Barnabas.
– Geoff Boucher
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Our legion of super contributors is led by Hero Complex editor Gina McIntyre and 
Depp: Undeniably true to himself and his search for originality and style above what the industry’s standards presently reflect.
Way to go sir!
Thank you for gracing us with your work and talent.
The reason I've loved Depp since Platoon and Jump Street is his sense of humor, that raised eyebrow and for instance, in Sleepy Hollow, that look of terror. I believe Depp is the best character actor of his time, and has the looks and style to be a leading man also.
It is my opinion that the real Depp is very shy and probably not comfortable in his own skin and so loves to dress in costume and then he is free to be whomever he wants to be. The great actors of all time did that-
I also loved Depp in Gilbert Grape, and Finding Neverland and especially "From Hell; all of which he was bare faced and playing a character without props.
As far as working with Burton, their movies are magical. DiCaprio works with Scorcesse [sp] and So did DiNero and Pacino I believe.
I think people need to either appreciate Depp's magic or just ignore him. I hate it when people pick him apart, critisize and generally dislike him, but they go on to every chat board to go on and on and on about how terrible he is. Why not just ignore the headline?
The billions he's made on Pirates alone speak for themselves.
Thanks for your kind words.
Amazing actor in every film he's in! I appreciate the "non formality" types of roles he plays! Never knowing what to expect is FUN! Thank you Johnny! xo
This movie is a disgraceful and disrespectful approach to the old series. Boob and ball jokes? Please. The "funny bits" in the trailer aren't funny at all.
I actually own a wolf's head walking stick made by the same company that made the one that appeared in the original series. I was thinking of carrying it with me when I went to see the movie. Then I saw those pathetic boys' locker room talk scenes. The walking stick is staying home, and so am I.
Take a step back and save your breath. This is a satire, but also a loving one at that! Compare this to "Love at First Bite" or "Young Frankenstein". There's nothing wrong with honest satire….no one is stealing without attribution (which is what Roddenbury did from "Forbidden Planet"). So, please, grow up!
This work is a parody, as one might expect to turn up sometime in respect to any work of literature. But boys' locker room jokes have their place, but they only serve to cheapen what could have been a very fine film otherwise. The only way I can accept the premise of the movie is to think of it as taking place in parallel timeas established in the original series. The original series ended with a door opening on the parallel time universe looking back into our universe, and we must critique very wisely whatever comes through that still open door. I will not be going to see the movie.
I'm thrilled to see the new interpretation of "Dark Shadows", knowing the creativity of Misters Burton and Depp. I grew up in a little town in central California and remember the self-infliction of terror as I raced home after 1st grade and let myself into the house to watch "Dark Shadows" in syndication circa 1975. I would have myself balled up under a blanket even though it was hot outside so I could peek out from under the cover as the suspense built. I, and probably Mister Depp as well, were some of the original latch-key kids that have had our creativity and humor shaped by those early media experiences. I'll be watching with nostalgia and a keen eye for the presentation of all that was campy creepiness of the early 70s.
I love Johnny Depp, he is so original in is work and gives each character 150 percent of his talent. I have not been to a movie in a while, nothing much has peaked my interest (except The Help), but, I'm so excited waiting for the release date of Dark Shadows. As a child, I use to run home from school daily so I could be there to watch Dark Shadows, it got to the point as soon as my mother heard my foot steps she would just open the door wide so I could fly through and to the T.V. LOL!
I am a fan of Mr. Depp for sure, keep up the excellent work sir.
I think it good advice to see this film without recollection of running home from school to watch the series as I did in my childhood. But I have no doubt, that Mr. Depp can do Dark Shadows justice as he has so many other roles. There is something about the duo of Depp/Burton that just does it, and I am not a movie goer by any stretch.
I never saw one episode of Dark Shadows as I am a child of the 80's and a HUGE Johnny Depp fan. This movie is NOT a recreation of that. It is an interpretation. It is NOT a remake. It is an interpretation. A Burton/Depp collaboration. So to all you idiots that are bitching about it being a disgrace to the series and blah blah blah, go find something else to do, get a sense of humor, change along with the times and shut the hell up.
In my opinion, the only people griping are ones who don't get the Burton/Depp style of movie making in the first place. They have a very silly, rather gothic style of their own, and you either dig it or get lost. I for one have been a fan of Johnny Depp since his big screen premier on Nightmare on Elm Street, and Tim Burton since Edward Scissorhands. Actually, I only watched because Johnny was in it
I was entranced, and look forward with anticipation to all their collaborations. A few times (Alice In Wonderland) I was really worried I'd hate the movie, but somehow, through their eyes, the story and characters made a macabre sort of sense. I was, am, and always will be a Johnny Fan! Savvy?
Here's the song that should have been in the new Dark Shadows movie, but was not. If you watched the original series you will appreciate how the lyrics capture the real Barnabas. Do you agree? I give you: Barnabas Collins – the song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jXQ652Q7LM
Depp, Burton and company have made a mistake in re-imagining Dark Shadows as a joke. They had a perfect opportunity to really do a great job, and they have failed. Or at least, they will. Burton should not have been inolved at all. I blame him.
Well, I've watched all the trailers and featurettes and was a huge fan of the original… to all the Dark Shadows' fans out there, give it a chance and keep an open mind. This is one of the most anticipated movies of the year…at least for me!
I have always marvelled at Mr. Depp's breadth and depth, especially in efforts such as "Edward Scissorhands". Good, honest satire from someone with a deep appreciation for the original work is hard to come by and I definitely appreciate it. A number of years back I discovered "Dark Shadows" and eagerly VHS taped the reruns. I intend to enjoy see this satire this coming Friday with my wife (and interpreting it for her, as I don't think that they ever ran the original in Thailand!).
Bravo, Johnny!
You notice that Mel Brooks called his parody of "Frankenstein" something other than "Frankenstein". Also, "Love at First Bite" is NOT called "Dracula". If they wanted to make a parody of "Dark Shadows", why not call it something else, like "Dork Shadows"? A generation of new viewers will only think of Barnabas Collins as a whitefaced clown, which is a real shame.
People get a life! This is a movie. Johnny Depp is an actor and producer – a great one at that!
What have you done in a year in your life?
Oh my!
I been a fan of series during the late 60's in Australia, I enjoy the series what it is, entertaiment, some of the storyline grips you into a world that you don't know about. However, the first film made in 1970's is totally dark, evil Barnabas is evil ready to kill anyone, much different from various version of TV series, as much as this new film will be, I'm looking forward to it, and best way good adapt of old tv series that has the heart and the spirit of the series, also not take show too serious, just take alook at the best ones; Starsky & Hutch, Maverick, Charlie's Angels.
I do agree this movie has a funny side to it unlike the tv series. I watched that series every day. Loved it!! I have seen previews of the movie and just know I will love it too. Johnny is GREAT in all his movies. I have everyone of them. Plus he has given me a new costume for halloween. I have been Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and the Mad Hatter. Won trophies, prizes, and prize money for them. (By the way, I am a female and still pulled it off. Fooled everyone!) I have waited over a year for this movie to come out. Can't wait to see him as Tonto in the Lone Ranger next year. Don't stop Johnny!!!!