Tim Burton Cuts Ties with Johnny Depp? Taps ‘Wednesday’ Star as New Lead

For over two decades, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were as iconic a pairing as Dole Whip and Disneyland. Gothic, stylish, slightly spooky, and always with a flair for the dramatics, the two brought us a string of unforgettable films that shaped a generation of dark fantasy lovers. But it’s been years since their last collaboration, and now — whisper it — there may be a new leading man stepping into Burton’s twisted spotlight.

Enter: Owen Painter.

The Wednesday Season 2 actor has fans raising eyebrows (and glasses of themed mocktails) for all the right reasons. With Burton’s return to the mainstream via Netflix’s Wednesday, we’ve seen the rise of Jenna Ortega as a Gen Z icon — but it’s Painter’s striking resemblance to a young Depp that’s sparking fresh speculation. And yes, we’re talking prime Edward Scissorhands–era Depp.

So, are we witnessing the passing of the torch? Let’s plate this drama up like a Mickey-shaped waffle and dig in.

The Burton-Depp Era: A Recipe That Once Ruled Hollywood

Tim Burton’s affinity for keeping things in the family — creatively speaking — is legendary. He’s known for working with the same actors repeatedly, and none made more of an impact than Johnny Depp. The two teamed up on eight major films, from the dreamy and tragic Edward Scissorhands to the blood-soaked operatics of Sweeney Todd.

Depp wasn’t just a go-to casting choice — he became the face of Burton’s cinematic brand. Quirky, haunted, mysterious, a little sad, a little dangerous — Depp embodied everything Burton’s world was built around.

But after Dark Shadows in 2012? Crickets. A full decade has passed without a single new project together.

And while some fans chalked that up to creative evolution or burnout, others quietly speculated that the real reason was far more personal.

The Elephant in the Room: Depp’s Very Public Collapse

Let’s not sugarcoat it — Johnny Depp’s fall from Hollywood grace was messy.

His legal war with ex-wife Amber Heard dominated headlines for years. What started as disturbing allegations turned into a high-profile courtroom saga filled with viral moments, social media factions, and public opinion ping-ponging on a daily basis. It wasn’t just gossip — it was a full-blown PR meltdown.

For directors like Tim Burton, who tends to steer clear of overt controversy, the drama may have been too much. Wednesday marked his re-entry into a wider pop culture conversation, but on a very different stage — younger audience, streaming platform, and a far more social-media-conscious landscape.

Reconnecting with Depp in the middle of that firestorm? Not exactly aligned with the new brand.

Owen Painter: The New Face of Gothic Chic?

Fast-forward to Season 2 of Wednesday. Amid the return of ghouls, twists, and clever one-liners, a new character named Isaac Night was introduced — first in monster form, then later unmasked in all his pale, brooding glory.

That’s when fans started buzzing.

Owen Painter, who plays Isaac, looks uncannily like a young Johnny Depp. Think Sleepy Hollow–era vibes, with the same intense stare and delicate-but-dangerous energy that made Depp the perfect Burton lead for years.

But it’s not just about looks. Painter’s performance — unsettling, off-kilter, layered with sadness and menace — feels like a classic Burton creation. If Jenna Ortega is the modern Winona Ryder (another Burton favorite from the Beetlejuice days), then Painter seems purpose-built to be her spooky cinematic counterpart.

More Than Just a Doppelgänger

Painter isn’t just Depp-lite — he brings his own style to the table. And while his character may have met a tragic end in Season 2 (technically for the second time, because Wednesday loves to double-tap its villains), his presence left a lasting impression.

In fact, some fans are already imagining what Painter could do in other Burton projects. A live-action Corpse Bride? Painter’s halfway there. A new take on Victor from Frankenweenie? Wouldn’t even be a stretch. His performance in Wednesday proves he can handle the kind of roles Burton loves to write — eccentric geniuses, tragic misfits, haunted romantics with wild hair and wild eyes.

And considering Burton’s track record of bringing actors back into his cinematic sandbox, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Painter pop up again.

Jenna Ortega, Burton’s New Queen Bee

Let’s not forget — the heart of Wednesday is Jenna Ortega. Her whip-smart delivery, gothic fashion game, and deadpan charm made her a breakout star, and now she’s already being called Tim Burton’s new go-to actress. Ortega and Painter together on-screen gave off that Burtonesque chemistry that once made Depp and Ryder such a powerful duo.

In that sense, Wednesday isn’t just a hit series — it’s a blueprint for Burton’s next era. Fresh talent. Dark tone. Beautiful weirdos doing beautiful weird things. The formula has evolved, but the flavor? Still deliciously strange.

Will Depp and Burton Ever Reunite?

That’s the question diehard fans keep asking. And while nothing’s impossible, the odds don’t look great.

Depp’s reputation has stabilized somewhat, but it’s clear that Hollywood has shifted — and Burton’s universe has shifted with it. He’s aligning with younger actors who resonate with both new fans and nostalgic viewers. The Burton-Depp duo had its moment, and it was glorious, but creatively, the train may have already left the station.

And honestly? That’s okay.

New faces bring new energy, and Owen Painter brings just the right blend of creepy and compelling to keep the spirit of those past films alive — without the baggage.

From Alice in Wonderland to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Johnny Depp’s influence on Tim Burton’s legacy is undeniable. But a new chapter is being written, and Owen Painter might just be the leading man Burton didn’t even know he was looking for — until Wednesday gave him the perfect audition.

The vibe is right. The look is right. And if Burton’s kitchen is serving up another batch of spooky, stylized fantasy — don’t be surprised if Owen Painter is the next name on the menu.