Quick Links
Many Pirates of the Caribbean fans believe that Johnny Depp's performance as Captain Jack Sparrow is what makes the franchise so unique. Johnny's version of the character is campy and intoxicated, stumbling and slurring in a funny manner, and a far cry from the kind of pirate that other actors might have brought to life if given the part.While the scandal surrounding Johnny and Amber Heard’s rocky relationship has only gotten messier, Disney has a new Pirates of the Caribbean reboot in the works, and many are wondering if the actor will return to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Will he set his foot again on the boat to sail with the franchise?
Will Johnny Depp Return As Captain Jack Sparrow?
One of the roles Johnny Depp is most well-known for is portraying Captain Jack Sparow in the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. He has not always capitalized on major opportunities, but he has turned in amazing work in blockbuster hits, and his co-stars have sung his praises.
In fact, Kevin McNally revealed that he would love for Johnny to come back to the set. He said, “I see a great humanitarian and a beautiful human being. I don’t see any impediment for him coming back and playing Jack Sparrow. I think there was a general feeling that without Jack there is no Pirates franchise. And there’s probably a lot of truth in that.”
But now, there have been questions regarding the sixth installment of the franchise, the future of the famous character, and if Johnny Depp will be able to reprise his iconic role. Unfortunately for his fans, the actor has revealed that he will never return to the film.
Johnny Depp Said On The Stand That He Won't Return To Disney
During the cross-examination in the defamation trials against his ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny admitted that there is nothing Disney could offer him that would convince him to go back to the beloved franchise.
“The fact is, Mr. Depp, if Disney came to you with $300 million and a million alpacas, nothing on this Earth would get you back and work with Disney on a Pirates of the Caribbean film? Correct?” Amber’s attorney Ben Rottenborn asked the actor, to which he replied, “That is true, Mr. Rottenborn.”
In the ongoing trial, the actor confessed that Disney terminated him from the sixth installment of the franchise just days after Amber’s op-ed was published. He believed that the article has greatly damaged his career, costing him the role of Jack Sparrow. He also disclosed that Disney did not notify him ahead of time that he was being fired, saying, “I wasn’t aware of that, but it doesn’t surprise me.”
Johnny continued, “Two years had gone by of constant worldwide talk about me being this wife-beater. So I’m sure that Disney was trying to cut ties to be safe. The #MeToo movement was in full swing at that point.”
Can The 'Pirates' Franchise Survive Without Johnny?
As a result of this, a massive online discourse took place that involved several fans of the franchise confidently sharing that Pirates of the Caribbean is nothing without Johnny Depp. One Twitter user wrote, “His character is too iconic and can’t be replaced nor recasted.”
A fan humorously commented, “Pirates of the Caribbean without Johnny Depp is like tanning when it’s cloudy – pointless,” while another wrote: “Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow has always been one of my favorite things to witness growing up. He’s had so many amazing roles, but Pirates really was my introduction to his body of work. There is no Pirates without him, reboot or no reboot.”
What’s Next For The 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' Franchise?
Because Captain Jack Sparrow is such a crucial role of the franchise, it is hard for fans to imagine anyone else playing the part. Film producer Jerry Bruckheimer reminded fans in a recent interview that the future of his Disney mega-franchise does not currently include Johnny Depp.
The producer said that two Pirates scripts are currently in development, but neither includes Johnny’s former franchise mainstay. When asked about the future of the film, he revealed, “Yes. We’re talking to Margot Robbie. We are developing two Pirates scripts – one with her, one without.”
He also broke his silence on speculations that Johnny would return to play the famous role. “Not at this point. The future is yet to be decided,” he shared. It looks as though Captain Jack Sparrow’s days are numbered, and the franchise is likely to sail on without him.