Is Johnny Depp returning to Pirates of the Caribbean? Will Jack Sparrow actor return to Disney movie franchise

Johnny Depp played the role of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, starring in five movies
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Since last year, speculation has been growing about whether or not Johnny Depp will return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Recently, Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer behind Pirates of the Caribbean, has added fuel to the fire after saying that he would “love” to have Depp return as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Last year The Sun reported that a source told the publication that Depp “is set to return as Captain Jack Sparrow and is scheduled to start filming at the beginning of February at a top secret location in the UK.” This report emerged after Australian gossip news outlet PopTropic claimed an inside source has alleged Disney had reached out to the actor.

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At the same time, however, the Daily Mail reported that Depp would not be returning to the franchise, stating their sources have confirmed that “the information is false.”

Depp has not starred in the franchise since the fifth movie in 2017. The actor made headlines last year after his highly publicised defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard. During questioning on the stand he was asked about whether he would ever return to the franchise.

Here’s everything you need to know about whether Johnny Depp will return to Pirates of the Caribbean.

Is Johnny Depp returning to Pirates of the Caribbean?

Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer behind Pirates of the Caribbean, recently said that he would “love” for Depp to return in the next instalment of the Pirate saga.

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During a Q&A with Entertainment Tonight, when asked if he could say anything about the new Pirates film, Bruckheimer said: “We’re all working on it [the next film]. We’ll see how it comes out. We’re very excited, I think we’re gonna have a great screenplay, and we’re getting close.”

Regarding a potential return as Captain Jack Sparrow for Depp, Bruckheimer said: “We’ll see. I would love it. I would love to have him in the movie - that’s all that I can tell you.”

Rumours have been circulating about Depp returning to Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise since June 2022when Australian gossip news outlet PopTropic reported that Disney had allegedly signed a deal with Depp for him to reprise the role for an estimated $300 million.

Johnny Depp has not commented on whether he is returning to the Disney franchise (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)Johnny Depp has not commented on whether he is returning to the Disney franchise (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)
Johnny Depp has not commented on whether he is returning to the Disney franchise (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)

Their source alleged: “Disney are very interested in patching up their relationship with Johnny Depp. They reached out to the actor prior to his defamation trial against Amber Heard and asked whether he would be interested in returning for another Pirates film or two.

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“I know corporate sent him a gift basket with a very heartfelt letter, but I’m unsure how it was received. But what I can tell you is that the studio has already penned up a draft for a film about Jack Sparrow — so they are very hopeful that Johnny will forgive them and return as his iconic character.”

Whilst in November it was reported that Depp was returning to the franchise and due to “return as Captain Jack Sparrow”.

Reported by The Sun, a source said: “Johnny is set to return as Captain Jack Sparrow and is scheduled to start filming at the beginning of February at a top secret location in the UK. Everything is in the early stages and there is still no director attached to the project, which is being called A Day At The Sea.”

Who did Johnny Depp play in Pirates of the Caribbean?

Depp is famously known for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the franchise, of which he starred in five of the movies. During Depp’s highly publicised defamation trial between himself and his ex-wife Amber Heard, whether he wished to return to Pirates of the Caribbean came up.

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The actor was asked: “If Disney came to you with $300m dollars and a million alpacas, nothing on this earth would get you to go back and work with Disney on a Pirates of the Caribbean film?” He replied: “That is true.”

The trial concluded in June 2022, with Depp awarded $15m in damages from Heard, which the judge reduced to $10.35m. The panel also ordered Depp to pay Heard $2m in damages.

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