Fallen and Risen: Hollywood comebacks after public fallout

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf found himself in so many scandals that he seems indifferent to them. His eccentric behavior no longer surprises fans, although he has constantly flirted with risk.

The Transformers and Nymphomaniac star has been forgiven for much — car accidents, struggles with alcoholism, conflicts with colleagues (including Alec Baldwin), altercations with anti-Trump protesters, and other unpleasant incidents.

A still from the movie "Megalopolis"

Last year, however, LaBeouf’s ex-girlfriend, singer FKA Twigs, accused him of abuse. Despite lawsuits and a tarnished reputation, the actor continues to work in film. One of his latest projects is Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, which itself stirred controversy following the release of its trailer.

Robert Downey Jr.

Today, few remember that early in his career, Robert Downey Jr. was nearly blacklisted from Hollywood due to numerous scandals stemming from drug addiction. No producer or director wanted to work with him, and his life was spiraling downward.

At one point, the actor even served 16 months in prison for drug possession, illegal firearm possession, and driving under the influence. However, after court-mandated rehab and the support of his future wife, producer Susan Levin, Downey managed to shed his bad reputation.

Robert Downey Jr. (photo: Wikipedia)

His return to cinema was a real triumph, with roles in Iron Man and The Avengers earning him the love of fans once again.

Johnny Depp

The scandal between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard made global headlines. In 2016, Depp was accused of physical and emotional abuse, leading to serious consequences for his career. Brands and film studios quickly severed ties with him, and he found himself under the weight of cancel culture.

Johnny Depp (photo: Wikipedia)

In 2020, a court sided with Heard, but Depp contested the ruling and filed a defamation lawsuit to restore his reputation. On June 1, 2022, the court ruled in Depp’s favor. However, the actor was in no rush to return to acting, instead focusing on music and painting.

It wasn’t until 2023 that Depp returned to the screen, portraying King Louis XV in the historical drama Jeanne du Barry.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder’s career was on a fast rise until 2001, when she was arrested for shoplifting and accused of drug use. The actress, once a public darling, began acting erratically. It was later revealed she suffered from kleptomania.

Winona Ryder (photo: Wikipedia)

She underwent treatment and made her comeback with the role of Joyce Byers in Stranger Things, which brought her renewed popularity.

Last year, she returned to another iconic role — Lydia Deetz — in Tim Burton’s sequel Beetlejuice. The film received positive reviews, and fans were thrilled to see Ryder back on screen.

Ansel Elgort

Star of Divergent and Baby Driver, Ansel Elgort found himself at the center of a scandal at the peak of his career. He was accused of sexually assaulting a minor, though he strongly denied the allegations.

Elgort claimed the relationship was consensual but admitted that the way he cut off communication after their breakup was wrong. Nonetheless, fans turned their backs on him, and his career suffered a severe downturn—he stopped receiving new offers.

A scene from the movie "West Side Story"

In response, Elgort took a break and went traveling. He appears in films far less frequently today, and his recent projects haven’t been major blockbusters. In 2021, the musical West Side Story was released, and last year he starred in the crime drama Tokyo Vice.