Johnny Depp changes his look for film roles because he doesn't want to play it ''safe''.

The Hollywood icon is famed for his radical character transformations - namely as eccentric swashbuckler Captain Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and Native American Tonto in 'The Lone Ranger' - and claims his dedication stems from not wanting to ''bore'' the audience to death.

He said: ''I love the idea of changing my look. I think one owes it to the audience, to go out there and give them something different each time, so as not to bore them to death.

''And I always felt that if you're not trying something different each time out of the gate, you're being safe, and you don't ever want to find that place of safety. I like that, each time, before I even go in front of the cameras, the studio's reaction will be fear.''

The 50-year-old actor also revealed his physical transformations help him overcome his shyness when it comes to promoting his films.

Johnny admitted in a conversation with Iggy Pop for Interview magazine: ''I've always enjoyed hiding behind these characters. It's a strange thing, you're more comfortable as a character than you are in life.

''I could stand up in front of, it doesn't matter how many people, as a character. But if I had to do it as myself and give a speech, I would be liquid.''