Amber Heard and Johnny Depp had one of the most talked about divorces in Hollywood history, and it’s all thanks to their now-infamous court case. Now, while Amber, 39, tries her best to regain her footing in the movie business, Johnny, 61, has received a lucrative offer that is sure to put him back on the map.

Since their highly publicised split, Amber sold her home in California and has been quietly living out of the spotlight in Spain with her four-year-old daughter, Oonagh, who she welcomed via surrogate in 2021. Now, she’s ready to make her comeback—but she’s finding it difficult as she keeps coming up against a ton of people still loyal to her ex-husband.

A source tells Closer, ‘Amber reinvented herself in Spain and she’s happy with her life there but wants to go the next step and make her own money on her own terms. However, it’s raising eyebrows because she also wants to call the shots and be a producer like Johnny is, but it’s not turning out the way she expected. For the first time since she was in her twenties, Amber is being assertive about her filmmaking future and demanding some real power.’

Amber and Johnny tied the knot in February 2015 after almost three years of dating, but their relationship came to an end in May 2016 when Amber filed for divorce and accused Johnny of domestic violence. Their divorce was finalised in 2017, and after Heard referred to herself as ‘a public figure representing domestic abuse’ in an op-ed published in the Washington Post, Depp sued his ex-wife for defamation. The Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial lasted for six long weeks, and it captured worldwide attention due to its revolving door of celebrity guests, dramatic testimonies, and the shocking verdict that sided with Depp. Heard was initially ordered to pay Depp $15million, but after negotiation this was whittled down to $1million, a sum the actor donated to various charities.

Johnny’s career also took a hit following the trial, but he is currently filming an upcoming action thriller called Day Drinker alongside Penelope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. As well as that, the actor—who shares 25-year-old daughter Lily-Rose and 23-year-old son Jack with his ex-partner Vanessa Paradis, 52— has now been tipped to reprise one of his most iconic roles—Jack Sparrow in the Pirate of the Caribbean franchise.

An insider tells Closer, ‘At the same time that Amber’s struggling, Johnny coming back with this fantastic role in Day Drinker and he’s also rumoured to return to the Pirates franchise as well. Johnny himself is campaigning for it. It’s different for Amber; he’s being embraced while she’s struggling and inevitably it’s going to breed more ill feeling between them. They’ll never forgive each other.’

While Disney initially distanced themselves from Depp following his heated trial with Heard— they even asked him to resign from his role as Gellert Grindelwald in their Fantastic Beasts franchise— it seems the tide has changed now that he’s being eyed to reprise his role in the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

A source tells Closer that Amber isn’t taking the news too well, and it’s brought back all kinds of horrible memories for her.

‘Amber is incredibly disheartened to see Johnny get this very obvious welcome back into the Hollywood in crowd, it’s been a huge slap in the face after everything that transpired. In her view it’s completely unfair and just more proof that men always have it easier than women. She was in such a good place and for a while it really seemed she’d moved past the anger, but this has brought it all rushing back again. She can’t help but feel like he’s getting off way too easy, while somehow, she’s the one being punished. It’s certainly a very painful situation for her and it’s bound to get even worse if he does sign on for Pirates like everyone is saying will happen. That will mean his face will be everywhere again, there will be no escaping the reminders of him, even all the way in Spain.’

However, the actress— who has worked in two projects since the trial, a film called In the Fire and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom—won’t give up on her Hollywood dreams just yet, even if Johnny continues to make a steady living in the film industry.

A source reports to Closer, ‘Amber still has a lot she wants to accomplish, and she’s vowed not going to let Johnny shut her out. Johnny is of course loving the way things have turned around. He’s not just happy for himself, he’s taking a lot of pleasure knowing that this is going to be crushing for Amber. He’s still totally obsessed with the idea of making her pay a penance for nearly destroying him. Winning in court wasn’t enough for him, he won’t be happy until she’s totally shut out of ever making a comeback. He’s convinced she tried to ruin his life, so he doesn’t see anything wrong with hanging onto the grudge.’