Eva Mendes recently reflected on her experience filming the movie Once Upon a Time in Mexico, where she shared a remarkable on-screen moment with Johnny Depp. In a candid interview, Mendes admitted that the Johnny Depp unforgettable on-screen kiss with Eva Mendes left her wishing it had lasted longer, highlighting the significant chemistry between the two actors during the 2003 film shoot.
Mendes Recalls Her Steamiest Screen Kiss
Eva Mendes, who has appeared alongside a range of celebrated actors throughout her career—including Nicolas Cage, Gabriel Macht, and Will Smith—openly shared that no co-star had captivated her quite like Johnny Depp. This admission came as Mendes recounted her time working with Depp in Robert Rodriguez’s high-energy action film, Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
The film, featuring Depp as one of the leads, provided Mendes with a pivotal acting experience. During their scenes together, Mendes said the on-screen kiss left a lasting impression on her. She remembered feeling intimidated by Depp’s presence, even though she was already an established actress at the time.
“I regret not kissing Johnny Depp for longer,”
-Mendes, US Weekly (per Digital Spy)
“I was so intimidated by him. It was the first time I had worked with an actor who I had crushed on as a little girl.”
-Mendes, US Weekly (per Digital Spy)
Open Admiration and Lasting Memories
Known for her openness, Mendes did not hesitate to discuss her vulnerability on set. Praise for her co-stars is nothing new for the actress, but Johnny Depp’s impact clearly stands out in her memory. As she put it,
“All of my screen kisses were the best,”
-Mendes, US Weekly (per Digital Spy)
Mendes explained that while she cherished all her cinematic romances, none matched the palpable excitement she felt with Depp on set. Unlike a fleeting crush from her youth, Mendes’s admiration for Depp stemmed from enduring respect and real-time fame. At that period, before she formed a relationship with Ryan Gosling, Mendes was single and unreserved in her professional pursuits, amplifying her feelings on set.
Chemistry On Set and Life After Hollywood Romances
The actress and Johnny Depp only acted together in that single film, but the chemistry during their shared scenes was undeniable. The kiss, as Mendes described, remains etched in her memory, highlighting its significance even years later. Mendes’s honest regrets about not prolonging the moment illustrate just how impactful the experience was for her.
Today, Mendes shares her life with Ryan Gosling, a partnership that has lasted over a decade. With a stable and fulfilling personal life, her memories of past on-screen romances, including her experience with Depp, are a reminder of the unique connections forged in Hollywood, even if they only occur in front of the camera and a crowd of crew members.
The Enduring Appeal of a Legendary Kiss
For Eva Mendes, the Johnny Depp unforgettable on-screen kiss represents more than just a moment of cinematic chemistry—it encapsulates the emotional highs and vulnerabilities that come with working in the film industry alongside admired peers. Despite the passage of time and her settled private life with Ryan Gosling, Mendes’s reflection demonstrates the authenticity and intensity of these Hollywood moments that continue to resonate, both for the actors involved and for fans looking back on iconic scenes.
