With director Scott Cooper’s Black Mass now playing in theaters, I recently got to speak with Dakota Johnson and Julianne Nicholson about the making of the film at the Toronto International Film Festival. During the interview, they talked about sharing the screen with Johnny Depp, deleted scenes, what they were surprised to learn about the story, and more.

If you’re not familiar with Black Mass, the film tells the true story of Whitey Bulger (Johnny Depp), the former leader of the mob crew known as the Winter Hill Gang. Back in the 1970s in Boston, Bulger struck a deal with FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) in order to eliminate a mutual enemy: the Italian mob. Black Mass also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Juno Temple, W Earl Brown, Corey Stoll, and Adam Scott. For more on the film, watch these eight clips, read Matt’s review, and see what Adam had to say about its Oscar possibilities.

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Dakota Johnson & Julianne Nicholson:

• What surprised them when researching the role.
• What was it like working with Johnny Depp?
• Deleted scenes talk.
• How did they get ready for the project?

Here’s the official synopsis for Black Mass:

In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Edgerton) persuades Irish mobster Jimmy Bulger (Depp) to collaborate with the FBI in order to eliminate their common enemy: the Italian mob. The drama tells the story of this unholy alliance, which spiraled out of control, allowing Whitey to evade law enforcement while consolidating his power and becoming one of the most ruthless and dangerous gangsters in Boston history.