Sounds Like Johnny Depp is in Kevin Smith's New Film 'Tusk' After All

This should definitely perk up some ears. After hearing rumors for months, it looks like it might actually be true - Johnny Depp is appearing in Kevin Smith's new "horror" film Tusk. Depp is apparently playing the role of a detective assigned to the case in the movie, and has a smaller role investigating the incidents, hence why he was cast late and quietly filmed without anyone knowing. This latest casting tidbit comes directly from Justin Long, who also appears in Tusk, in an interview a few weeks ago most recently scooped up by The Wrap. He mentions, at least in their transcript, quite simply: "Johnny Depp is in that one." There we go.

I had first heard someone tell me that Johnny Depp was the other casting addition to Tusk back in January. And that Kevin Smith was waiting for time in his schedule to get everything shot and thus didn't want to rush to finish the film. But no confirmation of his casting has arrived. Until now. Here's the excerpt directly from the Long Island Newsday interview with Justin Long. Is the cat out of the bag now? What say you?

Are you working on any other movies right now?

"Yeah, the one where a man turns into a war horse. It's called Tusk. Johnny Depp is in that one. I'm working on something coming up later."

So there you have it. While no one will confirm if it's true (as our guess is it was supposed to be a surprise cameo) the news is being reported and most believe Depp has already filmed his role. Long might have some old information, and Kevin Smith could have easily recast the role. Tusk stars Justin Long as a podcast host and journalist who finds the story of a lifetime in Mr. Howe (Michael Parks), a worldwide adventurer with amazing tales and a curious penchant for walruses. Another "fucked up story" from Kevin Smith. The cast includes Haley Joel Osment, Genesis Rodriguez and Ralph Garman. Smith wanted to cast a major star in a small but crucial role that would only shoot for two days, and it sounds like Depp was the one he was after.

A24 Films & XYZ Films currently have Kevin Smith's Tusk scheduled for release later in the fall 2014. We'll definitely be keeping a watch for any updates on this film, including any photos or videos that land online.