Johnny Depp's potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has reignited fan excitement and industry speculation as Disney continues developing a sixth installment of the blockbuster series. Depp, who has not reprised his role as the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow since 2017, has remained estranged from Disney following a highly publicized feud involving domestic abuse allegations by his ex-wife Amber Heard.
Despite the fallout, recent reports suggest a pathway for Depp's return may be open. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a staunch advocate for Depp, is reportedly working on two potential scripts for the new Pirates movie-one of which includes Captain Jack Sparrow. According to Variety, while Disney has yet to reach out to Depp, "nothing has been ruled out."
Depp addressed the turbulent years following the allegations and his defamation trial victory during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Reflecting on the challenges he faced, he said, "Honestly, I can sit here this very second and think about all the hit pieces, and how everybody was against me. Some of it was not the most beautiful time. Some of it was mad. The thing is, it simply just was, and it simply just is."
He added, "I don't have any ill feelings toward anyone. I don't have this great reserve of hatred, because hatred requires caring. Why carry that baggage?" Depp's remarks have fueled optimism among fans and industry insiders about the possibility of reconciliation with Disney.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which has grossed $4.5 billion worldwide, has been dormant since the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017. While the fifth installment earned $795 million globally, Disney distanced itself from Depp amid the controversy. Still, the star remains synonymous with the franchise, and his absence casts doubt on its future.
Fans have expressed overwhelming support for Depp's return. Social media platforms buzzed with enthusiasm after the recent reports. "There's literally no Pirates of the Caribbean without Johnny Depp," one fan posted on X. Another urged Disney to act: "Do the right thing, Disney, bring him back!!!"
While some reports have floated potential replacements for Depp, such as Margot Robbie, those efforts have struggled to gain traction. A reboot featuring Robbie as the lead was proposed but later shelved, leaving the franchise's direction uncertain.
Bruckheimer, a longtime ally of Depp, has publicly hinted at the possibility of his return. In a 2024 statement, he acknowledged conversations about including the actor in a new script. While Disney has not yet approached Depp, the possibility remains open, according to Variety.
Depp has gradually returned to the spotlight, with his French-language film Jeanne du Barry receiving a limited U.S. release and his thriller Day Drinker on the horizon. The actor has expressed no ill will toward those who distanced themselves from him. As Disney weighs its next steps, the fate of Pirates of the Caribbean 6 may hinge on whether the studio can bury the hatchet with the star who helped launch the franchise into blockbuster territory.
