As per ScreenTime, rumors suggest that Disney is considering reuniting with Johnny Depp for the sixth installment of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. However, the catch is that Depp may not be reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Despite the fan outcry, inside sources, including film scooper Daniel Richtman, suggest that Disney is thinking about bringing Depp back in a supporting role rather than as the lead. As ScreenTime wrote in a tweet, Richtman reported:
“Disney is reportedly considering bringing back Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow for ‘PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 6,’ but it would be for a supporting role.”
Johnny Depp, who played Jack Sparrow in the first five films of the series, was reportedly let go by Disney due to allegations made by his ex-wife, Amber Heard. The actor’s victory in a defamation trial against Heard seemed to have changed the public’s perception. This later resulted in a demand for his return to the role.
You can see ScreenTime’s tweet below.
Disney is reportedly considering bringing back Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow for 'PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 6', but it would be for a supporting role.
(via: @DanielRPK) pic.twitter.com/WHBmk5Vcsq
— ScreenTime (@screentime) March 3, 2024
Is Depp Willing to Return to ‘Pirates’?
Depp had previously expressed feelings of betrayal over his firing and declared during his defamation trial that he would not work with Disney again for any price. However, with the legal battles now behind him and his career on a recovery path, insiders are not ruling out the possibility of his return to the ‘Pirates’ franchise.
The franchise’s future direction includes plans for a reboot focusing on a younger crew and led by a female cast. Initial reports linked Margot Robbie to a leading role, and more recently, Ayo Edebiri has been rumored to be the frontrunner for the next installment, potentially playing a character inspired by real-life pirate Anne Bonny.
Behind the scenes, the development of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ has been ongoing, with director Joachim Rønning and producers indicating as early as 2017 that a new film was in the works. Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott are on board as writers, with a screenplay draft nearing completion in 2020.
Other cast members also voiced their thoughts on returning to the franchise. Orlando Bloom expressed a desire to return, while Keira Knightley made it clear that she does not plan to reprise her role.
