After a rousing opening performance from Lizzo and Fergie, a mysterious Moonman rose above the stage over a bright blue screen. Dressed in a full space suit, Depp’s digital face was revealed as the helmet visor split open.

“Hey, you know what?” announced the actor, “I needed the work. I just want you guys to know that I’m available for birthdays, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, weddings, wakes, any old thing you need.”

The surprise cameo served as a light-hearted return to the public eye since Depp’s highly publicised defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard earlier this year.

Allegations of domestic abuse between the former spouses arose in 2018, when Heard authored an op-ed in The Washington Post claiming to be a survivor of domestic abuse. The following year, Depp responded to her allegations – which didn’t name Depp directly, but alluded to their marriage – with a complaint against the actress, further denying any allegations of abuse on his behalf. Depp then sued his ex for $50 Million over cause of defamation, which the actress’ legal team responded to by countersuing $100 Million.

The defamation trial took place this year and was entirely broadcasted live over the weeks it endured. In the end, the jury found evidence of Heard defaming Depp in writing the op-ed, further denying her testimony of abuse and awarding Depp $10 Million in compensatory damages.

After being dropped from many film projects after Heard’s 2018 allegations, Depp seems to be returning to his life – a statement he confirmed after the verdict reading. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor has reportedly recently begun filming his first feature film in over three years, playing King Louis XV in the forthcoming Jeanne du Barry.

The actor also announced he will be returning to directing – a feat he last took up in 1997 – alongside producer Al Pacino for the biopic Modigliani. All in all, it seems Depp is more than ready to return to the spotlight.

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