Johnny Depp could be making a much awaited return as Captain Jack Sparrow in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed that discussions with Depp are taking place as work continues on the screenplay for the sixth film in the popular franchise. Speaking to Deadline at D23, Bruckheimer said, “We’re talking with Johnny, we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done.” The statement has once again raised hopes among fans who have been waiting to see Depp back in the role that became one of the most famous characters of his career.
According to additional information reported by the New York Post, the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is expected to focus mainly on Margot Robbie’s character. Depp, if he returns, could reportedly appear in a supporting role rather than being the main lead. This would allow the franchise to introduce a new direction while also bringing back the character that audiences have strongly connected with for more than two decades. However, the project is still in development, and details about the story, cast and release date have not been officially confirmed.
Johnny Depp first appeared as Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, directed by Gore Verbinski. The film also starred Orlando Bloom as Will Turner and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann. Depp returned for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest in 2006 and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End in 2007. He later appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 2011 and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017.
Although the fifth film did not perform as strongly as some earlier instalments, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has remained one of Hollywood’s biggest movie series. The five films have earned more than $4.5 billion worldwide, according to The Numbers. Because of this, the possibility of another film has remained a major topic among fans.
Talk of Depp leaving the role had emerged several years ago. In 2018, screenwriter Stuart Beattie suggested that Depp had finished his run as Jack Sparrow and described the character as his legacy. Since then, the actor’s possible return has been the subject of repeated speculation.
Depp is also preparing for another major role in the upcoming film Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, in which he plays Ebenezer Scrooge. The movie is scheduled to release on November 13. His possible return as Jack Sparrow would mark another major moment in his career and could give the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise a familiar face as it moves into its next chapter.