Ozzy Osbourne isn’t mincing words when it comes to rock stars who dabble in acting, or the other way around. At 75, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman had some pointed comments for Johnny Depp and other performers who seem undecided about their careers, during an episode of his SiriusXM podcast “Ozzy Speaks.“
Furthermore, with rumors circulating about a potential biopic focusing on his relationship with wife Sharon Osbourne, fans shouldn’t anticipate a high–profile actor taking on the role of the Prince of Darkness. In a conversation with Consequence of Sound, Osbourne expressed his preference for an “unknown“ actor over “anyone like Johnny Depp“ to portray him.
Variety initially broke the news in 2021 about a film centered on the Osbournes. According to the report, the movie is set to be produced by Sony Pictures and Polygram Entertainment, featuring a screenplay penned by Lee Hall, known for his work on Rocketman.
Ozzy Osbourne Talks About Johnny Depp As A Musician After Saying He Doesn't Want The Actor To Play Him Onscreen
On the new aforementioned episode of his podcast, the "Crazy Train" hitmaker said: "There was a time when rock stars wanted to be movie stars and movie stars wanted to be rock stars. Make your f—ing mind up what you want to do! Why do you want to be a rock star when you want to be in movies?" Osbourne went on: "There ain't many that can do it all and pull it off. Johnny Depp is pretty good at doing both." Depp, 61, has played guitar and collaborated with artists like Iggy Pop and Aerosmith throughout his career.
In 2015, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor co-founded the supergroup Hollywood Vampires alongside Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. Depp, as Newsweek reports, also often tours with the Hollywood Vampires, but he has also taken the stage with his late friend Jeff Beck and made guest appearances with Aerosmith.
The "Mama, I'm Coming Home" artist then recommended that musicians be granted "two movies" to show off their acting abilities. Alternatively, in his opinion, they ought to resign. "Have a stab and if you're s—t, acknowledge it, and stop," he said.
In 2022, Osbourne expressed his preference for an "unknown" actor to play him in the highly anticipated biopic, rather than a well-known figure like Depp, as he revealed in an interview with Consequence of Sound for their cover story.
A few years ago, news emerged that a film was being developed to chronicle the relationship between the Osbourne couple from 1979 to 1996. The project was based on a treatment crafted by their eldest daughter, Aimee. Sharon, 71, expressed a desire for the movie to steer clear of resembling the highly successful Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, which she dismissively referred to as a “Hallmark movie.”
“Our film will be a lot more real,” Sharon said. “We don’t want it to be squeaky, shiny clean and all of that. We’re not making it for kids. It’s an adult movie for adults.” By "more real," the film is set to delve into Ozzy's struggles with substance abuse, according to the outlet, along with his bouts of violence (such as the near-fatal incident with Sharon), and other turbulent moments from that chaotic period in their lives.
When questioned about whether he harbored any concerns regarding the film's portrayal of some of the most harrowing experiences of his life, Ozzy responded without hesitation. “I don’t give a s—t. I mean, if it’s a success, great. As long as it’s not too slurpy and bullsh—y, you know?”
Over a decade has passed since Ozzy was promoting his autobiography, I Am Ozzy. Back then, he interestingly remarked: “To have a movie made of the book, maybe with Johnny Depp playing me — I’d like that.” Currently, there have been no announcements regarding the biopic casting.
