Kissing a Hollywood icon may seem like a dream come true for many aspiring actors. However, for Carey Mulligan, her experience filming an intimate scene with Johnny Depp in the 2009 crime thriller Public Enemies turned into an absolute nightmare. The pressure of working alongside an A-list actor she had long admired left her visibly nervous, ultimately leading to the scene being cut from the final film.
Carey Mulligan’s Struggles with the Kiss Scene
When Mulligan landed a small role in Public Enemies, she never anticipated how daunting it would be to share an on-screen kiss with Depp. The actress, who had been a fan of Depp for years, found herself overwhelmed with nerves. According to Mulligan’s own account on The Graham Norton Show, the scene had to be reshot sixteen times due to her inability to appear comfortable on camera.
“I had to kiss him several times. It was 16 times, but it was cut out of the film because I looked so uncomfortable.” – Carey Mulligan on The Graham Norton Show (via Metro)
Despite repeated attempts to calm herself, the tension was evident. The scene, which was meant to convey romance and passion, instead highlighted her nervous energy. The director eventually decided to remove the scene entirely from the final cut, as Mulligan’s discomfort was too obvious to ignore.
Starstruck and Overwhelmed: Mulligan’s Other Experiences with Hollywood Icons
Carey Mulligan’s experience with Johnny Depp wasn’t the only time she found herself struggling to contain her admiration for a Hollywood legend. While working on The Great Gatsby, Mulligan faced a similar challenge when acting alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.
She admitted that having to perform romantic and dance scenes with DiCaprio was incredibly difficult because she had been a fan of his work for years.
“I grew up watching everything he’s ever done, and it’s difficult as I have to hide my inner fan when I am around him – it’s terrible.” – Carey Mulligan
One particularly awkward moment arose during a dance scene. DiCaprio jokingly claimed he couldn’t dance, but Mulligan knew better, having watched him dance effortlessly in Titanic. This internal conflict between being a professional actress and an excited fan made their interactions more complicated than expected.
Eva Mendes Had a Different Experience with Johnny Depp
While Mulligan struggled with her on-screen kiss with Johnny Depp, not all actresses had the same reaction when given the opportunity. Eva Mendes, who starred alongside Depp in Once Upon a Time in Mexico, had a vastly different experience. Rather than feeling anxious, Mendes wished she had more time to enjoy the moment.
“All of my screen kisses were the best, though I regret not kissing Johnny Depp for longer. I was so intimidated by him. It was the first time I had worked with an actor who I had crushed on as a little girl.” – Eva Mendes to Us Weekly (via Digital Spy)
Unlike Mulligan, who was visibly nervous, Mendes embraced the moment and later regretted not prolonging it. Her attitude highlights how different actors handle working with their idols—some find it overwhelming, while others relish the experience.
The Pressure of Working with Hollywood Legends
Acting alongside an industry veteran like Johnny Depp comes with a unique set of challenges. For some, the pressure is exhilarating; for others, it can be paralyzing. Mulligan’s reaction is a testament to how star power can affect even the most talented actors. Despite her later success in Hollywood, her early experiences show that meeting one’s idols doesn’t always go as expected.
Many actors have spoken about the difficulties of working with legendary co-stars. The mixture of admiration, intimidation, and the need to remain professional can create a stressful environment on set. Mulligan’s case was extreme—her performance was so affected by her nervousness that the entire scene had to be removed.
Why Some Actors Struggle More Than Others
One reason why actors like Mulligan find themselves struggling in these situations is because of the longstanding admiration they have for their co-stars. Watching a Hollywood icon on screen for years can create an unattainable image, making it difficult to separate fantasy from reality when finally working with them.
Another factor is personality. Some actors, like Mendes, can push past their initial intimidation and focus on the moment. Others, like Mulligan, find it hard to control their nerves, which can impact their performance. The ability to stay professional while working with big names is a skill that many actors develop over time.
Overcoming Stage Fright in Hollywood
Mulligan’s experience is a reminder that even the most successful actors deal with anxiety and self-doubt. Overcoming these struggles is essential in the industry, where confidence and composure are key.
Many actors turn to professional coaching to help them handle these situations. Some techniques that can help include:
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Mindfulness and Meditation – Practicing mindfulness can help actors remain present and reduce anxiety.
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Breathing Exercises – Controlled breathing can help calm nerves before performing a challenging scene.
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Rehearsing with Stand-ins – Practicing intimate scenes with a stand-in actor can make the actual shoot less overwhelming.
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Perspective Shifts – Reminding oneself that co-stars are just people can help break the illusion of unattainable stardom.
Lessons from Mulligan’s Experience
Carey Mulligan’s story serves as a lesson for actors and fans alike. While working with a personal idol can be exciting, it’s important to remain focused and professional. The pressure of performing in front of an audience—whether it’s the film crew or millions of moviegoers—can be daunting, but preparation and experience help actors overcome their fears.
At the same time, her experience is relatable. Many people have found themselves in nerve-wracking situations when meeting someone they admire. The takeaway? Even Hollywood stars get overwhelmed, and that’s okay.
Conclusion: Starstruck or Professional? The Fine Line in Hollywood
While Johnny Depp remains an iconic figure in Hollywood, his presence on set affects co-stars differently. Carey Mulligan found herself in a situation where admiration led to performance anxiety, resulting in a deleted scene. Meanwhile, Eva Mendes fully embraced her moment with Depp, showing how different personalities react to similar experiences.
Ultimately, actors must find ways to balance admiration with professionalism. Mulligan has since gone on to deliver award-winning performances, proving that overcoming initial struggles can lead to greater success. Her story is a reminder that even the biggest stars had to start somewhere—and sometimes, that journey includes a few awkward moments along the way.
