Hollywood’s spotlight shines once again on the Canary Islands, with Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz set to film parts of their upcoming movie Day Drinker in the archipelago. This marks the fourth collaboration between the two international stars, adding another chapter to their cinematic partnership.
The archipelago continues to captivate filmmakers with its diverse landscapes and attractive incentives through the Canary Islands Special Zone (ZEC), making it a prime location for international productions.
The islands have previously hosted A-listers such as Liam Neeson, Demi Moore, Sylvester Stallone, Gerard Butler, Marion Cotillard, and Christian Bale. The addition of Depp and Cruz only reinforces its reputation as a global filming hotspot.
The Film: Day Drinker
Directed by Marc Webb, best known for The Amazing Spider-Man films starring Andrew Garfield and the romantic hit 500 Days of Summer, Day Drinker promises a mix of suspense and action.
Written by Zach Dean, the story revolves around a cruise ship bartender who encounters a mysterious “day drinker.” Their meeting spirals into a world of crime and intrigue, with settings spanning the coasts of France, Portugal, and Spain.
The movie is being produced by Lionsgate, with local production support from Nostromo. It is expected to blend stunning visuals with a compelling narrative, with much of the action taking advantage of the Canary Islands’ unique scenery.
Depp and Cruz: A Storied Collaboration
Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz first teamed up in Blow (2001), a biographical crime drama about the life of drug trafficker George Jung. They reunited in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and again in Kenneth Branagh’s star-studded Murder on the Orient Express (2017). Their on-screen chemistry has made them a sought-after duo in Hollywood.
For Cruz, filming in the Canary Islands is a return to familiar territory. She previously shot scenes for Broken Embraces with Pedro Almodóvar and Ma ma by Julio Médem in the region. Depp, too, has a connection to the islands, having recently visited Playa del Inglés after appearing at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
With Day Drinker, the Canary Islands add another high-profile production to their résumé. The region’s allure lies not only in its breathtaking locations but also in the economic and logistical benefits it offers. Over the years, the islands have hosted major stars and productions, solidifying their status as a favoured destination for filmmakers worldwide.