PUBLIC ENEMIES films in Aurora; devoted fans wait and hope for a Depp sighting

That dashing gentleman in a suit and tie is Johnny Depp, in costume for his role as John Dillinger in PUBLIC ENEMIES, standing in front of his trailer at base camp in Aurora, Illinois; the photo is fuzzy because it was taken at a great distance and through a chain-link fence. Most fans who have descended upon the streets around the Paramount Theatre in Aurora have had to content themselves so far with very brief glimpses of SUVs whizzing by and occasional theater doors opening. Still, with filming only occurring for one day, many are determined to wait and see all they can–a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Andre Salles of the Beacon News reports that “legions of fans gathered outside, hoping for a glance, a wave or a handshake from Depp. Some arrived as early as 3 a.m. [. . .]. A bitter chill settled in early, and the masses bundled up, most refusing to move from the spots they had claimed.” The crowd quickly grew to more than a thousand, “all crammed behind barricades on Galena Boulevard, waiting for a chance to meet Johnny Depp. And as of 11 p.m.,” says Salles, “they were still waiting.”

Extra Jeff Zak told Salles what was happening inside the theater. “They’ve been doing this one five-minute scene, where we’re sitting in the theater,” Zak said. “Depp is sitting two rows behind me.” When a newsreel about Dillinger shows up as part of the entertainment, the unwilling star of the segment “tries to slink out of the theater.” Zak told the Beacon News that Johnny Depp “was personable and talkative on Monday,” and that he was able to speak with Johnny a couple of times. Those waiting outside continued to hope for the same good fortune . . . .

The Zone thanks Bonnie and AnaMaria for the photograph from Aurora and Emma for the report from the Beacon News, as well as many other stories from the PUBLIC ENEMIES filming. You can read the articles on the Zone’s News & Views forum. –Part-Time Poet

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