Johnny Depp will make good on rumors that he is making a special “comeback” appearance at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.

A source close to the production has confirmed to The Post that the 59-year-old star will dress up as a real-life Moon Person, the silver astronaut statue that VMA winners are awarded.

Jack Sparrow’s team declined to comment when The Post reached out, but our insider said the actor is indeed locked in to appear via video. (TMZ first reported the growing buzz about a possible appearance over the weekend.)

Depp is “really excited” to appear at the VMAs — and he is “ready for his comeback,” the source said.

While he joined rocker Jeff Beck on his summer European tour, this will be Depp’s first on-camera appearance since his highly publicized defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard.


  A source told The Post that Johnny Depp will appear as MTV’s Moon Person. Getty Images A source told The Post that Johnny Depp will appear as MTV’s Moon Person. Getty Images

Depp came out of the case legally victorious, but Heard’s team has since filed an intent to appeal the jury verdict, which ordered her to pay Depp more than $10 million in damages. In July, nearly two months after the case, thousands of previously sealed, shocking documents were released — including texts between Depp and Marilyn Manson, as well as his team’s apparent attempt to bring up his ex-wife’s “brief stint as an exotic dancer” at trial.

Depp will appear during Sunday’s 8 p.m. event at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, with LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow all set to host the show.


  MTV’s Moon Person attends the 2019 Video Music Awards. Getty Images for MTV MTV’s Moon Person attends the 2019 Video Music Awards. Getty Images for MTV

Minaj will also receive the Video Vanguard Award, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will accept the Global Icon Award.

Harlow, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Nas X scored the most nominations, with seven apiece. Doja Cat and Harry Styles aren’t far behind, with six noms each, while Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd each scored five nods.

Performers will include Blackpink, J Balvin, Lizzo and Panic! at the Disco. 

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