Dark Shadows marks the third film produced by Johnny Depp’s Infinitum Nihil — The Rum Diary and Martin Scorsese’s multi Oscar-nominated Hugo were IN’s first two efforts — and he’s had Graham King’s GK Films as a partner on all three endeavors. A good thing, too, if you believe Johnny’s self-deprecating comment at the Dark Shadows press conference today: “It’s impossible to produce a project. I can barely produce a muffin.” Mr. King’s credentials as a producer are impeccable, of course: he has an Oscar on his mantel for The Departed, as well as Best Picture nominations for The Aviator and Hugo. In an interview with Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Times, King admitted that he was not familiar with Dark Shadows when Johnny first presented the idea, since the series had not aired in the UK, and he sees no stumbling block for moviegoers who come to the multiplex with no previous knowledge of Dark Shadows mythology. “I feel it’s a very commercial, accessible film for people to go to and have a really fun time. Tim and Johnny put their stamp on it and when that happens it’s special,” King declared. “[F]or me, to be involved in that —- and in a movie that is pure entertainment —- is really nice.”

King had high praise for Johnny’s performance as Barnabas. “[H]e’s so versatile that he can play any role,” King said. “What I love about Dark Shadows is his dry sense of humor. And, as you know, Johnny carries that with him 24/7. There are moments in the movie where his response to things —- just the look on his face —- are hilarious. I’ve seen it over and over again and I laugh every time. Johnny can deliver lines just without saying anything.”

King recalled that Johnny’s love for the role was clear from their first conversations about the film: “He was absolutely a man on a mission to play this role. He loved it when he was a kid and obviously it shows in the film. Johnny loved every minute of being Barnabas.”

The Zone thanks Emma for sharing the Graham King interview; you can read more about Dark Shadows on the Zone’s News & Views forum. The Geoff Boucher article is available HERE.