ANAHEIM Friendly and accessible. Deceiving and arrogant. Co-stars Penélope Cruz and Johnny Depp painted a stark contrast as they appeared Saturday at the world premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
Cruz greeted her fans as she walked along the marathon 2,700-foot black carpet and made it a point to speak to the national and international press covering the event at Disneyland.
Depp, on the other hand, rapidly passed through the area, barely meeting fans, some of whom had waited hours to see him.
"It was a great experience to make this movie," the Spanish actress said. "I have not seen the final version. And what better place to see it than at Disneyland."
The Oscar-winning actress wore an off-the-shoulders, form-fitting long black dress and her long hair was pulled back.
She said that her sister, Mónica, served as her stand-in in some scenes given her advanced stage of pregnancy.
The Madrid native said it was an enriching experience to work with Johnny Depp, who joined her recently for the unveiling of her star in Hollywood's Walk of Fame in Hollywood.
"It was a great honor," she said, noting that Rob Marshall, the director of the "Pirates," also turned out. "I don't really think I deserve it but it was an unforgettable day."
Cruz plays "Angélica," the pirate Blackbeard's daughter, in what is the fourth film in the "Pirates" franchise.
She said she did not know if she will be asked to appear in a future sequel but said she would welcome such an opportunity because she learned so much.
"Pe," as now her Anglo fans have started to call her, almost fell as one of her heels caught on her dress. But she caught herself and continued on the Adventureland, where the screening was held.
By contrast, Depp's appearance was a strange one. The organizers of the event tried to throw off the press and fans in the bleachers by parading a man who pretended to be the actor. The crowd, however, soon discerned that he was a fake.
Then the real actor appeared, escorted by five men who guarded him every step of the way. He briefly greeted a few fans, avoiding looking up as he walked along Main Street.
He wore black pants and a white jacket with stripes along with his trademark glasses. He gave interviews to the main U.S. entertainment media, then slipped into the outdoor complex where the movie was screened.
Those who watched the film each paid $1,000 per ticket, with proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of America.
(Photo shows the "Fake" Johnny Depp)
Andrea.García@sandiegored.com
