The trailer for Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial offers audiences a look at the fast-tracked film about the highly publicized Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial. Depp and Heard endured a lengthy and public defamation trial that stems from comments Heard first made in a 2018 op-ed for The Washington Post. Heard didn't mention Depp directly, but comments she made regarding domestic abuse became linked to Depp, which negatively affected his career. As a result, Depp was forced to depart the Fantastic Beast franchise. Ultimately, with accusations being lobbed back and forth between the actors as to who was in the wrong, they both sued each other, and the case went to trial, where the jury sided with Depp.
With the Depp/Heard trial ending only a few months ago, it came as a surprise that Tubi fast-tracked a film adaptation of the events. The cast of Hot Take features Mark Hapka as Depp, Megan Davis as Heard, Mary Carrig as Heard's attorney Elaine Bredehoft, and Melissa Marty as Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez. The film was directed by Sara Lohman, who previously helmed the made-for-TV movie Secrets in the Woods.
Tubi shared the trailer for Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial on YouTube, giving audiences their first glimpse at the actors in the roles of Depp and Heard. Hapka and Davis are front and center as their real-life counterparts, as they are shown in court and being swarmed by a media circus. However, the film also steps outside the trial itself, showing Depp reacting to Heard's comments, possible recreations of abuse, and even fan reactions. Check out the trailer for Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial below:
How Hot Take Was Fast-Tracked For Tubi
The Depp and Heard trial has been one of the biggest news stories of the year, garnering immense amounts of coverage. Tubi decided to strike while the iron was hot, with their chief content officer even stating the film was developed "to capture a timely take on a story that became part of the cultural zeitgeist, painting a unique picture of what millions watched play out in the headlines over the summer." Furthermore, Hot Take is bound to bring plenty of attention to Tubi, a free streaming service, which was likely a driving force behind adapting such a high-profile story so rapidly.
Hot Take's quick turnaround is also likely to have many curious as to the quality of the film. While the creative team and actors involved aren't household names, the trailer gives the impression that they gave it their all despite the time crunch to have the film finished. The film likely won't shed any new light on the events that transpired, but Tubi's quick action to get the film produced is bound to boost their brand with names like Depp and Heard in the title. For those interested in seeing Hot Take: The Depp/Heard Trial, the film will be available to stream on Tubi starting September 30.
Source: Tubi/YouTube