Johnny Depp has been cast as war photographer W. Eugene Smith in the independent drama ‘Minamata’.
The Hollywood star will play the central role in the upcoming movie, which will tell the story of Smith’s work as a photographer for Life magazine and his involvement in the exposing of the poisoning of the people of Minamata, Japan.
Andrew Levitas – who is directing the project – said: "Working with Johnny to give voice to those who have been silently suffering is a responsibility we do not take lightly.
"Much like Eugene Smith in 1971, we could not feel more privileged or humbled to be tasked with the mission of bringing this incredible story to the world."
The upcoming movie will tell the story of how Smith was convinced by Life magazine editor Ralph Graves to head to Japan to expose the devastation caused in the coastal community through mercury poisoning.
Meanwhile, Disney is reportedly seeking a reboot of its popular ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise.
The studio is exploring the possibility of launching a reboot of the money-spinning film series, which starred Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Disney has reportedly met with ‘Deadpool’s writing duo Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick to pen the script and are in "early talks" following their success with the superhero franchise.
However, it is yet to be confirmed whether Depp will reprise his role as the drunken pirate.
Johnny Depp cast as a war photographer in Minamata
