Johnny Depp returns to acting in French film playing King Louis XV

'La Favorite' will be Depp’s first cinema role since Hollywood turned its back on the actor after his ex-wife made domestic violence accusations against him. Photo: AFP

Netflix Inc is set to co-finance and stream Johnny Depp’s next film, a bet on the actor’s first feature role following his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, and what he claimed was a wider boycott by Hollywood studios.

The French period film, La Favorite, in which Depp will portray King Louis XV, will receive financial backing from Netflix, according to two people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the terms haven’t been announced publicly.