Hollywood loves a good comeback story.
But what about real-life rebounds? That, it turns out, is an iffier proposition and one that’s about to be tested by three bold-faced names: Alec Baldwin, Johnny Depp and Will Smith.
All three were at different points lead players in the cultural zeitgeist. And all three lost that role, admittedly for vastly different offenses that nonetheless had the same career-dinging effect. Baldwin after Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot with a gun he held on the set of “Rust” in 2021, Depp after a protracted and tawdry 2022 lawsuit with his ex Amber Heard and Smith after slapping Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.
Can this trio win back the hearts and wallets of fans with their new projects? Will Hollywood’s gatekeepers stand ready with open arms?
Not surprisingly, the latter is highly dependent on the former, industry experts say. If you can still turn a buck with your talents, watch your Tinseltown dance card fill up.
“If people have a loyal fan base, they’ll always get a second and even third shot,” says Stacy Jones, CEO of pop culture marketing firm Hollywood Branded. “Look at Robert Downey, Jr. His drug addiction crashed his career more than 20 years ago. And now..?”
