Netflix’s Depp v. Heard: Why Director Didn’t Interview Johnny Depp or Amber Heard

Depp v. Heard is a new look into the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The “Trial by TikTok” consumed the nation for six weeks in the spring of 2022, dominating conversation on the Internet thanks to its social media coverage by news outlets, influencers, and commenters. Surprisingly, Netflix’s Depp v. Heard does not feature interviews with the formerly married couple.

While speaking to Variety, director Emma Cooper explained her decision to focus on the “conversation around the trial,” leading to the decision to exclude interviews with Depp, Heard, and their legal teams.

“I wanted to get away from any he-said-she-said from within the trial, and I just really wanted to talk about us and the way we communicate, and the way that we look at events that don’t really have anything to do with us,” Cooper said. “That is actually what the series is about — but I can’t help but look at some of the things that are being said about me, without people having seen the series, and it’s interesting that people are drawing many conclusions, but that very much was not my intention.”

The three-part series does not include interviews with journalists or experts. It’s presented through the trial live feed and the commentary from YouTube, TikTok, and social media.

What to Expect in Depp v. Heard?

“Depp v Heard is a three-part series examining the infamous defamation case that captured the world’s attention and became the world’s first trial by TikTok,” the Netflix synopsis reads. “Showing both testimonies side-by-side for the first time, this series explores this global media event, questioning the nature of truth and the role it plays in our modern society.”

Cooper directed all three parts of Depp v. Heard. Cooper, the founder of Empress Films, previously helmed the Netflix documentary The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes.

Depp v. Heard is now streaming on Netflix.