Johnny Depp may return in a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot as Jack Sparrow, a beloved character from the series. The franchise has been highly successful, earning $4.5 billion at the box office, and there are plans for more movies. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has expressed interest in bringing back Depp, hinting at a potential reunion in future projects.
Johnny Depp’s Possible Comeback
Johnny Depp may return at some point in the Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. Depp is known for playing the iconic Jack Sparrow, the leading protagonist of the series. The movies were inspired by the Disneyland attraction of the same name and eventually exploded into a five-movie series that has performed well at the box office. It has earned approximately $4.5 billion and is expected to continue with a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie that is planned to be a reboot for the franchise. So far, plot and cast details are being kept under wraps.
While Depp is unlikely to star in the reboot, there is still a chance that he could appear and potentially reprise his role. When questioned by Entertainment Tonight, producer Jerry Bruckheimer explained that there is still an opportunity for Depp to appear, especially if Bruckheimer has a say. He even admitted that he has already spoken to Depp about potentially appearing in the future reboot. Check out his full quote below:
“If it was up to me, of course. I love having Depp… He’s a great actor and good friend… I’ve certainly spoken to him, but we’ll see what happens.”
Why Johnny Depp May Yet Return In Future Pirates of the Caribbean Movies
Depp Is An Integral Part Of The Franchise
Throughout his years with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Depp has defined the role of Jack Sparrow. He always stands out as the joyful swashbuckling pirate, darting from battle to battle as he brings positive energy to every fight. He is often presented as the primary draw on every poster, every trailer, and every scene. Depp is an integral part of the franchise and has become the primary face behind the concept since 2003’s “Curse Of The Black Pearl” premiere. Without Depp, it is unlikely that Pirates would ever have been quite as successful.
Yet, despite his contributions, the franchise may soon be expanding away from Depp. The highly publicized Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation case brought rebukes against both parties, and the famously family-friendly Disney may want to distance itself from the controversy. While Bruckheimer indicated that they have already invited him back for the upcoming “Pirates of the Caribbean 6” reboot, he will likely not be taking a leading role. Still, any level of involvement indicates that Disney believes that it can still embrace Depp, who won the defamation case against Heard.
Another reason for Depp’s diminishing role is that he may have aged out of his position. At 60 years old, swashbuckling may be behind the actor, who has been transitioning into a role as a director. His upcoming movie “Modi,” for instance, is directed by Depp and stars Al Pacino. Since the pandemic, Depp has also been taking fewer prominent roles. Stepping back from acting could be a reason for Disney to seek a reboot after two decades of Jack Sparrow. Even so, it is likely that Depp could still return for a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot movie.
Why Is The Pirates Of The Caribbean Franchise Rebooting?
The Franchise Has Been In Decline
During the Depp vs. Heard trial, Depp agreed that “nothing on this Earth” would convince him to return to Pirates of the Caribbean, including $300 million and a million alpacas. Among the other reasons, his lack of willingness to return has left Disney with few options beyond ending the franchise or pursuing a total reboot. Disney considered a Margot Robbie-led Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, but Robbie has indicated that the project has been indefinitely shelved. While producers have indicated that it is still in development, its future is bleak and slow-moving, compared to “Pirates of the Caribbean 6.”
In December 2022, Bruckheimer insisted that Robbie’s spinoff is in development. Its progress remains slow and uncertain, as the studio prefers to focus on “Pirates of the Caribbean 6.”
Since the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, the franchise has brought in massive profits, which explains the interest in bringing these movies back by any means. Deadline announced a reboot in 2019, but the post-pandemic box office has made it an even more pressing concern. The box office has fluctuated wildly with success levels ranging from the $1.4 billion “Barbie” to extreme and surprising disappointments with “Fast X,” “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” and “The Marvels.” Any franchise that can ensure a higher likelihood of success is extremely likely to receive approval in a tumultuous Hollywood landscape.
| Movie | Budget | WW Box Office |
| “The Curse of the Black Pearl” (2003) | $140 million | $650 million |
| “Dead Man’s Chest” (2006) | $225 million | $1 billion |
| “At World’s End” (2007) | $300 million | $960 million |
| “On Stranger Tides” (2011) | $250 million | $1 billion |
| “Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2017) | $230 million | $800 million |
Craig Mazin (“Chernobyl,” “The Last of Us”) and Ted Elliott (“The Curse of the Black Pearl”) have both been tapped to lead the reboot, which is still in development. It is still early on in the process, as no cast members have been announced and no story details have been revealed. Given Depp’s comments in court, it is unlikely that he joins the cast, but circumstances may change as the movie heads toward production. If Depp does return to Pirates of the Caribbean, it will be in a smaller role and to launch a new era for the franchise.
Wrapping Up
Johnny Depp’s potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise hinges on several factors, including his legal battles and age. However, his iconic portrayal of Jack Sparrow remains a significant draw for fans and the franchise alike. With Jerry Bruckheimer expressing interest and ongoing discussions, the possibility remains open, albeit with uncertainties. As the franchise gears up for a reboot, only time will tell if Depp will once again don the pirate’s hat.
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Tags: Johnny Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jerry Bruckheimer, Disney, movie reboot
