Johnny Depp Sets Conditions for Captain Jack Sparrow Return
“If things are exactly where they need to be with regard to how they’re going to top off the Pirates franchise,” Johnny Depp said during an Entertainment Tonight interview, “the only involvement I really want to have, truly, is just to send them off on a better note.”
Depp has softened his stance on reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a potential Pirates of the Caribbean 6. During a press tour stop for his upcoming holiday movie Ebenezer, the 63-year-old actor outlined that his return hinges entirely on creative execution and trust in the franchise’s longtime producer, Jerry Bruckheimer.
The actor stated that he would never turn down a request from Bruckheimer. Depp declared he would go to work with the producer tomorrow for anything, emphasizing their deep friendship. This is the first time Depp has publicly revealed he’s open to the idea since swearing off the idea in 2023.
Jerry Bruckheimer Advances Screenplay Development
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has spent the last couple of years having conversations with Depp about a new Pirates movie, though nothing is locked in place. Screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, who penned 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales, has developed a script for the project.
Bruckheimer previously noted that Nathanson had cracked the project’s third act, leaving the production team to clean up the first and second acts. While Disney explored a separate female-led reboot starring Margot Robbie in 2020, that project has yet to make any kind of notable progress.
Hollywood Comeback Surrounding Ebenezer Release
Depp headlined five Pirates movies from 2003 to 2017, which collectively grossed $4.5 billion worldwide. in 2006 and On Stranger Tides in 2011 both crossed the $1 billion threshold at the global box office.
Following his legal troubles and his departure from the Fantastic Beasts franchise where Mads Mikkelsen replaced him, Depp kept a low profile in major blockbusters. He now mounts his Hollywood return starring in Ebenezer, a new take on A Christmas Carol scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 13.
Johnny Depp says he’s open to returning as Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ on one condition 🏴☠️ “I want to send them off on a better note” (via @etnow) pic.twitter.com/AVnaj2zxtN
Orlando Bloom Expresses Interest in Franchise Return
Speculation regarding a wider cast reunion surfaced after Orlando Bloom discussed his interest in returning to the franchise during a festival appearance. During a special screening of Ebenezer in New York City on November 1, Depp responded to Bloom’s remarks with a joke to People about competing to see who could grow facial hair faster.
Depp and Bloom appeared together in the first three Pirates films. While Depp continued as the lead in On Stranger Tides (2011) and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), Bloom and Knightley did not have major roles in those installments. Neither Depp nor Bloom has confirmed an official return date for any future sequels.
Common Questions About The Sixth Installment
When did Johnny Depp last play Captain Jack Sparrow?
Depp last played the iconic pirate in the fifth film of the franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales, which hit theaters in 2017.
Who is writing the screenplay for the next film?
Screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, who also wrote the 2017 installment, has drafted a script for the sixth movie under producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Johnny Depp says he would return to Pirates of the Caribbean 6 to give it a "proper send-off" https://t.co/g4HpxP90PK
What has Disney said about Margot Robbie’s involvement?
Disney explored a female-led reboot with Margot Robbie in 2020, but Robbie confirmed in November 2022 that the studio was not interested in her movie.
When does Depp’s next film release?
Depp stars in the upcoming holiday feature Ebenezer, which is scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 13.