Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Documentary Commissioned by Discovery

Amber Heard. (AP)
Amber Heard. (AP)
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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Documentary Commissioned by Discovery

Amber Heard. (AP)
Amber Heard. (AP)

Discovery has commissioned "Johnny vs Amber," a two-episode documentary that tells the story of the breakdown of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's relationship, and how it spiraled into a celebrity court case.

Being produced as a double bill by Optomen, each film is told from one of their perspectives. The documentary will feature interviews with lawyers involved on both sides, and testimony from those close to the former couple. It will also examine extensive footage and audio recordings filmed by the couple themselves.

The doc will be available on Discovery Plus this fall.

In 2016, Amber Heard filed for a divorce from Johnny Depp, and the case, which ended in a UK High Court verdict against Depp, grabbed global headlines.

Clare Laycock, senior VP for planning and insights and head of entertainment at Discovery, said: "The series provides an in-depth insight into the epic battle that powered #JusticeforJohnnyDepp and #IStandWithYouAmberHeard fan campaigns and the very public High Court case that gripped us all. Optomen has done a fantastic job turning this multi-layered story into something both engrossing and horrifying."

Charlotte Reid, VP commissioning for entertainment at Discovery, said: "The story of what happened between Johnny and Amber continues to be hugely divisive, between fans and the public at large. We set out to make a documentary that would explore the story from each of their perspectives, so the viewer can go beyond the headlines, understand who they are, and decide who they should believe in this complex human story. We think it's a compellingly contemporary story on truth and lies that we hope will open up a conversation with our viewers on Discovery Plus."

Nick Hornby, co-CEO at Optomen, added: "Through the tapes, home videos and text messages shown in court, these films give viewers a rare and important insight into a marriage that went tragically wrong, and to better understand the hugely important issue of domestic violence."

The series was ordered for Discovery Plus by Laycock, commissioned by Reid and executive produced by Matt Reid for Discovery. It is executive produced by Hornby and Fran Baker for Optomen.



Take a First Look at the New Harry Potter as HBO Begins Filming Series

 This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)
This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)
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Take a First Look at the New Harry Potter as HBO Begins Filming Series

 This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)
This image released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin, who will portray Harry Potter, on the set of HBO series "Harry Potter," scheduled for 2027. (Aidan Monaghan/HBO via AP)

HBO has officially started production on the highly anticipated "Harry Potter" TV series adaption, the network announced Monday, also revealing a first look at the titular character.

The photo released by HBO shows Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, donning the signature Hogwarts uniform paired with round-rim glasses and a lightning bolt scar, not unlike the iconic costume worn by Daniel Radcliffe in the eight-part film series.

The show began production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the UK, and is expected to debut in 2027.

A new round of actors were announced Monday, including Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander.

The network announced in late May that McLaughlin was cast as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

Several high-profile actors have been announced in other key roles, including Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore and Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley.

The new series adaption begins production nearly 14 years after the final movie adaption of J.K. Rowling's books, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," was released in theaters.

In addition to the blockbuster movies, the franchise has inspired a Broadway play, video games and theme parks since the first installment was released 28 years ago.

The new series will be "a faithful adaptation of the beloved Harry Potter books," the network previously wrote, and "will feature an exciting and talented cast to lead a new generation of fandom, full of the fantastic detail and much-loved characters Harry Potter fans have adored for over 25 years."