Johnny Depp may finally be preparing to set sail with Disney again as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Longtime Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that discussions are underway with Depp about returning for the franchise’s long-delayed sixth installment.
Jerry Bruckheimer speaking at the 2014 WonderCon – Wikimedia Commons
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“We’re talking with Johnny, we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done,” Bruckheimer told Deadline following his Disney Legends tribute at D23.
The comments represent the clearest indication yet that Depp could reprise his signature role. Although Bruckheimer stopped short of announcing a deal, the discussions have apparently progressed beyond the producer merely expressing his desire to work with Depp again.
Johnny Depp Previously Ruled Out a Disney Return
Depp last appeared as Sparrow in 2017’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. His relationship with Disney subsequently deteriorated amid abuse allegations made by his former wife, Amber Heard, and the highly publicized legal battles that followed.
During his 2022 defamation trial against Heard, Depp expressed surprise that Disney had dropped him from the franchise.
“I didn’t quite understand how after that long relationship, and quite a successful relationship certainly for Disney, that suddenly I was guilty until proven innocent,” the actor testified.
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Walt Disney Pictures
Although he said that he would have liked to give the characters a “proper goodbye,” Depp appeared to rule out ever working with Disney again. When Heard’s attorney asked whether “if Disney came to you with $300 million and a million alpacas, nothing on this earth would get you to go back and work with Disney on a Pirates of the Caribbean film,” Depp said that was true.
However, with Depp’s name largely cleared in court and significant changes made to Disney’s leadership, the possibility of reconciliation has grown considerably. Depp prevailed on all three claims in his Virginia defamation case against Heard, while she succeeded on one counterclaim. The former couple later settled their appeals.
Meanwhile, David Greenbaum has become president of Walt Disney Pictures, replacing Sean Bailey, who led the studio when Depp was removed from the franchise.
Margot Robbie Could Lead the Next Movie
Bruckheimer revealed in August 2025 that he had already spoken with Depp about returning.
“If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it,” the producer told Entertainment Weekly. “It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know.”
The screenplay appears to remain the largest obstacle. Disney has spent years developing multiple versions of a new Pirates movie, including a reboot and a separate project starring Margot Robbie.
Margot Robbie in “Wuthering Heights” – Warner Bros., YouTube
In October 2025, Bruckheimer confirmed to Deadline that Robbie remained involved with the franchise. He explained that two scripts had once been in development before one fell by the wayside. Franchise veteran Ted Elliott contributed to the surviving version, with another writer brought in to complete it.
Deadline’s sources claim that the next film will feature Robbie’s character as the protagonist, with Jack Sparrow in a secondary role. However, Bruckheimer’s latest comments suggest that the final story is still taking shape and may hinge on Depp agreeing to return.
Orlando Bloom Wants the Original Cast Back
Orlando Bloom has also expressed interest in reprising his role as Will Turner, provided the screenplay is strong and the original cast returns.
“I would personally love to see everybody back,” Bloom said during Fan Expo Chicago in 2025, according to Entertainment Weekly. “I think the way to win on that one is to get everybody back. If they can, and if everybody wanted to go back.”
No director, production schedule, or release date has been announced. Nevertheless, Bruckheimer’s confirmation suggests that Disney increasingly recognizes what many fans have argued for years: a Pirates of the Caribbean revival will be a much harder sell without Captain Jack Sparrow aboard.
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