Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that discussions are happening with Johnny Depp to bring back his famous character Captain Jack Sparrow for a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The update came straight from the D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, where Bruckheimer spoke with reporters about the project’s current status.
Bruckheimer shared that the team is actively working on a screenplay while also talking with Depp about rejoining the franchise. This marks the first clear sign that Depp might return to the role that made him a global movie star. The news comes as Depp continues rebuilding his Hollywood career with new film projects.
Jerry Bruckheimer Confirms Talks with Johnny Depp at D23
The producer gave the update during an interview at Disney’s annual fan convention. When asked about the sixth movie, Bruckheimer said, “We’re talking with Johnny [Depp], we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done.”
This statement represents the most direct confirmation yet that Depp could return as Jack Sparrow. For years, fans have wondered if the actor would ever play the pirate again after Disney parted ways with him in 2018. The news has created excitement among followers of the franchise who have wanted to see Depp back on the high seas.
Bruckheimer has always been open about wanting Depp in the series. Earlier this year, when someone asked if the franchise could move forward with a new lead, he replied, “If it’s up to me, he [Johnny Depp] will be in it.”
Margot Robbie May Lead the New Film
While Depp’s return is being discussed, the sixth movie might not focus entirely on Jack Sparrow. Sources close to the project have told entertainment outlets that Margot Robbie could take the lead role in the film.
Reports suggest that the new movie would represent an evolution for the series. Robbie’s character would be the main focus, with Depp’s Sparrow appearing as a supporting character. This approach would allow the franchise to move in a fresh direction while still keeping one of its most beloved characters involved.
The idea of passing the torch to a new protagonist has been discussed for years. Bruckheimer previously confirmed that producers developed two different scripts at one point, with one potentially featuring Robbie in a leading role.
The Franchise’s Box Office History
The Pirates of the Caribbean series has been one of Disney’s most successful live-action properties. Across five films, the franchise has earned more than USD 4.5 billion at the worldwide box office.
The most recent movie, Dead Men Tell No Tales from 2017, made approximately USD 795.9 million globally. While this was the lowest earner in the series, it still performed well compared to many other films that year.
The first movie, The Curse of the Black Pearl, came out in 2003 and became a surprise hit. It turned Depp into a major star and earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. The franchise continued with Dead Man’s Chest in 2006, At World’s End in 2007, On Stranger Tides in 2011, and then Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017.
Depp’s Journey Back to Hollywood
Depp’s potential return to the franchise represents a major turn in his career. In 2018, Disney dropped him from the series following abuse allegations made by his ex-wife Amber Heard.
During his 2022 defamation trial against Heard, Depp testified about being removed from the franchise. He stated, “I wasn’t aware of that, but it doesn’t surprise me. 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.”
A Virginia jury later found Heard liable for defamation and awarded Depp USD 10.35 million in damages. The former couple eventually reached a settlement where Depp received USD 1 million.
Since the trial, Depp has been working to rebuild his career in Hollywood. He is set to star as Ebenezer Scrooge in the upcoming film Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, which is scheduled for release on November 13.
The movie features a strong cast including Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley, and Sam Claflin. Depp promoted the film by appearing in full costume at San Diego Comic-Con in July.
He also has another project in the works, a thriller called Day Drinker from Lionsgate, expected in 2027.
Development History of the Sixth Film
The sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie has been in development for several years. Different writers and directors have been attached to the project during that time.
At one point, Deadpool writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick were hired to work on a follow-up. Later, The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin and veteran Pirates writer Ted Elliott took over screenplay duties.
Mazin previously talked about the project, saying, “We came up with this really cool story.” The screenplay is still being developed, and Bruckheimer confirmed that work continues on it.
The long development period shows how carefully Disney and the producers are approaching the next chapter. They want to find the right story that can continue the franchise’s success while possibly introducing new characters and directions.
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What This Means for the Franchise
The news of Depp’s possible return comes at a time when the Pirates series needs a fresh start. The fifth movie received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. A new direction with both familiar and new faces could help the franchise find its footing again.
Having Depp back as Jack Sparrow would likely draw longtime fans back to theaters. At the same time, introducing Margot Robbie as a new lead could attract viewers who want something different from the series.
The exact details of the story remain unknown. The filmmakers are still working on the screenplay, and no official release date has been announced. Fans will have to wait for more updates as the project moves forward.
For now, the confirmation that talks are happening with Depp is enough to create excitement. After years of uncertainty, it looks like Captain Jack Sparrow might sail again.
Also Read: Comic-Con 2026: Johnny Depp surprises as Ebenezer Scrooge, ENHYPEN meets Twilight cast
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