Johnny Depp’s 1994 Hotel Room Incident with Kate Moss Led to Lead Role in Al Pacino Film

Johnny Depp's arrest in September 1994, following the alleged destruction of a hotel room he shared with Kate Moss, played a significant role in securing him a lead role in the 1997 film “Donnie Brasco.”

In “Donnie Brasco,” directed by Mike Newell and written by Paul Attanasio based on Joseph D. Pistone and Richard Woodley's autobiographical novel, Depp starred alongside Al Pacino as the titular character Donnie Brasco and Pacino portrayed mobster Lefty Ruggiero.

According to IMDb trivia about the film, Depp's selection for the role was heavily influenced by a controversial incident involving the actor in 1994.

During that year, Depp was arrested at The Mark Hotel in New York City for causing significant damage to his room while staying with Kate Moss.

This event changed the public perception of Depp, making him a suitable choice for the role in Newell's film.

Many, including screenwriter Paul Attanasio, noted that Depp's involvement in “Donnie Brasco” marked a departure from his usual youthful roles.

It allowed him to showcase a more mature side of his acting abilities.

Attanasio commented, “He was becoming a man, not a boy.

We captured that on film.

It was incredibly exciting.”

Interestingly, Depp's real-life reputation may have contributed to this shift in his career.

According to IMDb, Attanasio confirmed that Depp's 1994 arrest, which involved the trashing of his hotel room at The Mark Hotel in NYC with Kate Moss, played a role in his casting for the role in the 1997 film.

People began to perceive Depp as “dark” and “dangerous.”

Regardless of the reasons behind it, the decision to cast Depp ultimately worked in favor of the film.

“Donnie Brasco” received critical acclaim, and both Depp and Al Pacino's performances were highly praised.

The crime drama holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the audience score slightly higher at an impressive 89%.

The charges against Johnny Depp for felony criminal mischief were dropped following his arrest in September 1994.

The actor was accused of breaking glass and furniture in his hotel room.

When the police arrived at the scene, they found Depp “smoking a cigarette, cool and calm.”

Kate Moss was reported to have been present during the incident as well.

Depp agreed to pay $9,767 in damages, and the charges against him were dismissed.

According to People, the arrest occurred after an argument between Depp and Moss.

Police found Depp “in a state of possible intoxication,” but Moss was unharmed.

In another report, Depp blamed the aftermath of the trashed hotel room on an irate armadillo that was allegedly hiding in the closet.

However, the animal was never found.

Despite the bizarre nature of the incident, it played a role in Depp securing his role in “Donnie Brasco” in 1997.

The film went on to gross $124.9 million at the box office, surpassing its $35 million budget.

If anyone faced repercussions from the 1994 arrest, it did not seem to be Johnny Depp.

“Donnie Brasco” (1997) is currently available for viewing on Netflix.