#87. Amber Heard joining Depp in "Rum Diary"

Thu Feb 5, 2:51 am ET
Borys Kit

BERLIN (Hollywood Reporter) – Amber Heard has nabbed the coveted female lead opposite Johnny Depp in "Rum Diary," the adaptation of the Hunter S. Thompson novel being directed by Bruce Robinson.

Heard is a relative newcomer who so far has been cast in supporting roles in more modest movies. Among her more notable roles are the title character of "All the Boys Love Mandy Lane" and Seth Rogen's high-school-age girlfriend in "Pineapple Express."

"Diary," from GK Films, will place Heard at the front and center of a love triangle in the tale of a washed-up, hard-drinking journalist named Paul Kemp (Depp) in 1950s Puerto Rico. Heard will play Chenault, the free-spirited girlfriend of a fellow journalist who cheats on him with Kemp, trying to convince him to run away with her.

The role drew strong interest from many a leading lady (Scarlett Johansson and Keira Knightley were among those reported to have been vying for it), though some had reservations regarding the nudity the role calls for. Heard has no such inhibitions -- in the upcoming ensemble piece "The Informers," an adaptation of the Bret Easton Ellis novel, Heard spends all but one scene undressed. "Diary," however, also will offer the opportunity to showcase some dramatic chops.

The role of Sanderson, the third point in the "Rum Diary"triangle, has not been cast.

"Diary" is a passion project for Depp, who was a friend of Thompson's and has been trying to get the adaptation off the ground since 2003.

Heard, who just booked the lead in John Carpenter's haunted house thriller "Ward 19," also nabbed a cameo in "Zombieland," starring Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson. She will play the object of Eisenberg's affection who turns into a zombie.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter