Amber Heard Joins Depp in "Rum Diary"

Do you get the idea that Johnny Depp is channeling Hunter S. Thompson?

He was in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," narrated "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson," and now he’s set to star in "Rum Diary," an adaptation of Hunter’s novel. Then again, if anyone can channel Hunter Thompson, it would be Johnny Depp.

Joining him in "Rum Diary" is Amber Heard. What a score for her. She really hasn’t done that many movies, most notably "Pineapple Express," in which she played Seth Rogen’s girlfriend.

"Rum Diary" involves a love triangle that centers around Paul Kemp (Depp), a hard-drinking journalist in 1950s Puerto Rico. I’m sure he’ll have no problem with that role.

Heard will play Chenault, the girlfriend of another journalist who cheats on him with Kemp, then tries to convince him to run away with her.

"Rum Diary" is set to start filming in March, with a 2010 release date.

Image: Amber Heard, Never Back Down, Summit Entertainment, 2008; Source: Hollywood Reporter