‘Black Mass’ Trailer: Johnny Depp Reminds You He’s a Great Actor

It wasn't long ago that Johnny Depp, a highly respected actor, starred in the first Pirates of the Caribbean and became a huge A-list star. But, instead of taking his newfound fame (and wealth) and using that to star in some more challenging roles, he’s starred in a bunch of Pirates sequels, Tim Burton movies and Mortdecai. Had Johnny Depp lost his touch?, people asked. If this new Black Mass trailer is to be believed, no. Absolutely not.

Depp stars in the film about Whitey Bulger, the Irish mobster who was working as an informant for the FBI. Because of his deal, they quietly ignored his burgeoning criminal enterprise, but after their deal was exposed, Bulger went into hiding and eventually became 2nd on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, behind only Osama bin Laden.

It's a fascinating story, made all the more fascinating by Depp's performance and presence in this trailer. Devoid of hats and scarves and mustaches, Depp is borderline recognizable with his balding head of grey hair, crystal blue eyes, decaying teeth and Boston accent. This is the kind of work we've been waiting for from Johnny Depp for years while we put up with stuff like Transcendence.

Directed by Scott Cooper (Out of the Furnace), Black Mass boasts an impressive cast that includes Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard, Jesse Plemons, Corey Stoll, Rory Cochrane, Sienna Miller and Adam Scott.

In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) persuades Irish mobster James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp) to collaborate with the FBI and eliminate a common enemy: the Italian mob. The drama tells the true story of this unholy alliance, which spiraled out of control, allowing Whitey to evade law enforcement, consolidate power, and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in Boston history.

Yes, Pirates of the Caribbean 5 is currently filming, but Black Mass opens in theaters on September 18.