Johnny Depp has opened the door to his return in Pirates of the Caribbean. Nine years after his last appearance as Captain Jack Sparrow, the 63-year-old American actor has expressed willingness to reprise his character in a sixth film. But he set one condition: that this new adventure allows for a better conclusion to the saga. He also reaffirmed his absolute trust in Jerry Bruckheimer, the long-time producer of the franchise, despite his past disputes with Disney.
Johnny Depp wants to give Jack Sparrow a better ending
Interviewed during the promotion of his new film, Johnny Depp explained what could convince him to put on the famous pirate’s costume again: “If things are exactly as they should be to conclude the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the only thing I truly want, sincerely, is to give them a better ending.”
The actor then spoke about his relationship with Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of the previous five films, with whom he has a long-standing friendshipe : “I would work with Jerry Bruckheimer tomorrow, on anything. No matter the project. If it’s Jerry, I trust him. We have a deep friendship.”
These statements mark a change in Johnny Depp’s position, who had publicly expressed his refusal to work again with Disney after his removal from the franchise.
His conflict with Disney after the Amber Heard case
Johnny Depp first portrayed Jack Sparrow in 2003 in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The character, with his unsteady gait, humor, and iconic lines, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
He then reprised the role in four other films, up to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, released in 2017.
However, his legal troubles with his former wife Amber Heard deeply disrupted his career. During their defamation trial in 2022, Johnny Depp stated that Disney had decided to end their collaboration with him following the domestic violence allegations made against him.
On the stand, the actor declared he no longer wished to work with the studio, even for a substantial payment. The American trial ended with a verdict largely favorable to Johnny Depp, while also recognizing a case of defamation against Amber Heard.
Since then, the actor has repeatedly reflected on the impact of this case on his career. In June 2025, Johnny Depp notably settled scores with Hollywood, claiming he was punished for his kindness.
Jerry Bruckheimer is already negotiating Johnny Depp’s return
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, now 83 years old, has never hidden his desire to reunite with Johnny Depp. In August 2025, he confirmed that discussions were underway with the actor to consider his return to the franchise: “We are talking with Johnny. We are working on a script. Hopefully, we will be able to realize this project.”
The producer also explained that Johnny Depp’s return would essentially depend on the quality of the script: “If he likes how his role is written, I think he will do it. It all depends on what’s on paper.”
The development of the sixth film has undergone several changes. Screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, already involved with the fifth installment, has notably worked on a new version of the story. Ted Elliott, who participated in writing the first episodes, has also been associated with the project.
Disney has simultaneously considered a new adventure centered on a female character played by Margot Robbie. This possibility has long coexisted with that of a sixth film bringing together some of the original actors. The exact role of Jack Sparrow in the upcoming feature remains to be determined.
A $4.5 billion franchise awaiting its sixth film
Since the release of The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, the five Pirates of the Caribbean films have grossed approximately $4.5 billion worldwide. Two installments even surpassed the billion-dollar mark: Dead Man’s Chest in 2006 and On Stranger Tides in 2011.
The latest installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales, generated nearly $800 million in global revenue in 2017, despite receiving a notably less favorable critical reception than the earlier films.
Other original actors have also spoken about the franchise’s future. Orlando Bloom, who plays Will Turner, has expressed support for reuniting the former characters. Keira Knightley, who portrayed Elizabeth Swann, has indicated she does not wish to reprise her role.
Johnny Depp, meanwhile, continues his return to Hollywood productions with Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol directed by Ti West.
For Pirates of the Caribbean 6, no definitive agreement with Johnny Depp has yet been announced. Disney has not communicated any filming dates, release dates, or official casting. The script remains in development, nine years after the release of the fifth film.
Respond to the article
Be the first to comment on this article.