A Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise Status Update Could Bring Back Johnny Depp
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has been on ice since 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales, but a new update suggests that Disney may not be ready to give up on the series just yet. According to Variety, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has been developing two different scripts for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, one of which would allow Johnny Depp to return as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Depp’s status with the franchise has been uncertain since he was cut loose by Disney amid allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife Amber Heard. However, Bruckheimer’s comments in 2024 suggested that Depp had been in talks to return to the franchise, and this new report suggests that a path for his return may still be possible.
Disney’s $4.5 billion franchise has been on hold since the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales, which grossed $795 million worldwide. While the controversy surrounding Depp has been a major factor in the franchise’s hiatus, it seems that Disney is still interested in reviving the series.
If Depp does return to the franchise, it would be a major boost for the series. The actor’s eccentric portrayal of Jack Sparrow has been a major part of the franchise’s success, and his absence has been felt in the years since the last film.
Depp’s return would also mark a significant comeback for the actor, who has been largely absent from Hollywood since the allegations against him were made. His recent appearance in the French-language film Jeanne du Barry and his upcoming thriller Day Drinker with Penelope Cruz suggest that he is slowly making his way back to the big screen.
While Depp’s return to the franchise is not yet confirmed, it seems that the door is still open for him to reprise his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Only time will tell if he will take advantage of this opportunity and return to the franchise that made him a household name.
