A new rumor is making the rounds that Johnny Depp will be in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, even after vowing to never work with Disney again. Is it true this time? Here’s the breakdown.
The DisInsider reported that Disney is gearing up to make the next Pirates movie with Johnny Depp. Whether or not he will reprise his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow is currently unknown. According to the report, an anonymous source claimed that Walt Disney Studios is preparing to begin production on the next Pirates movie. The source stated that while “there is no timeline for when production will officially begin, [they] have heard that this entry will feature the return of Depp.”
However, even The DisInsider addressed this claim as mere rumor, as they had no secondary source to verify it.
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Kevin McNally as Joshamee Gibbs in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Walt Disney Studios
This isn’t the first time a rumor has spread that Johnny Depp will return to the franchise. Since his defamation trial victory over ex-wife Amber Heard, several outlets have suggested that Disney might be looking to bring him back. But after the way Depp was unceremoniously dropped from the franchise following allegations, it’s no wonder he refused to work with them again. Many close to the actor noted that he felt betrayed by the House of Mouse and noted that they believed him guilty until proven innocent.
Moreover, the films’ producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, confirmed that there were two different scripts in the works—one with Depp, one without. The latter reportedly is the rumored Margot Robbie version. Bruckheimer told Entertainment Weekly, “It’s two different movies. We hope to get [them] both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too.”
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Walt Disney Studios
This could mean that Disney intends to make two separate Pirates of the Caribbean movies—one with Johnny Depp, one with Margot Robbie—if the rumors are true.
A film with Johnny Depp would capitalize on the nostalgia and iconic status of Captain Jack Sparrow. At the same time, the Margot Robbie entry would inject fresh energy into the franchise with a new cast and direction. However, the challenge lies in managing both films without diluting the brand’s overall appeal.
Furthermore, Disney might also be banking on the flexibility of these two scripts to test which approach resonates most with audiences. That, if true, would be the most surprising. Disney only recently hinted that they’ve abandoned their DEI practices, and such a shift will not happen smoothly.
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), Walt Disney Pictures
Regardless, with conflicting reports and no official confirmation, everything is mere speculation and rumor at this time.
What do you think about Johnny Depp possibly returning to the Pirates franchise? Let us know in the comments below.
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