The movie adaptation is being directed by David Koepp while Eric Aronson is behind the script, Deadline Hollywood reported.
Depp would play the role of dashing art dealer and part-time rogue Charles Mortdecai, who must find a stolen painting rumored to contain the code to a lost bank account filled with Nazi gold.
The actor is currently starring in Disney's "The Lone Ranger" and is wrapping Wally Pfister's directorial debut "Transcendence".
Koepp and Depp worked together on "Secret Window" in 2004.