Ryan Gosling starrer ‘The Fall Guy’ faces criticism for poking fun at Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in the film

The Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling starrer 'The Fall Guy' is facing negative criticism over joke on Depp and Heard. (Image via X)

‘The Fall Guy’ is directed by David Leitch and stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. It revolves around a retired  stuntman who mixes himself up in a sister plot.

The film has released in theatres worldwide today (3 May) but it got flak even before its release for a snarky remark on the Johnny Depp V Amber Heard case.

The Hollywood film is receiving backlash for featuring an “insensitive” joke about the ex-couple. Gail Meyer, played by actor Hannah Waddingham, at one point makes a reference to Johnny and Amber‘s abusive relationship, which has not sat well with viewers.

In the scene, Gail Meyer, who is an executive producer, walks into a trailer while looking disheveled and tells Emily Blunt’s character, “It’s like Amber and Johnny were just in here”.

The dialogue has caused controversy among fans and watchers who saw the film at screenings. They are expressing their opinions about the dialogue on social media.

“As a survivor I can tell you there is not one thing funny about domestic abuse. I will not support this film. Do better Hollywood”. One user wrote on X.

Another user wrote, “‘The Fall Guy’ made a distasteful “joke” about the domestic abuse amber suffered at the hands of johnny. it’s 2024, why are we writing these kinds of lines into movies? nasty work.”

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard got married in 2015 but filed for a divorce 15 months later. Their relationship came under the spotlight after Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against Heard for publishing a Washington Post op-ed in 2018. In the op-ed, Heard wrote about the domestic violence that she had suffered. Although, she did not name Depp.

An intense legal battle ensued. The case was spectated by many especially since every hearing was live streamed. The jury ruled in Depp’s favour on all three claims that he was defamed by Heard and won millions in damages. Heard also filed a countersuit against Depp and won one of her claims and was awarded $2 million in damages.