Johnny Depp could be preparing to sail back into the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise nearly a decade after his last appearance as Captain Jack Sparrow. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed at Disney’s D23 event that discussions with Depp are underway as a new screenplay takes shape. However, the potential sixth installment reportedly would not simply deliver another traditional Jack Sparrow adventure. Instead, sources claim Margot Robbie could lead the next chapter, with Sparrow appearing as a supporting character in a move designed to evolve the $4.5 billion franchise.
Bruckheimer provided the strongest update yet on Depp’s possible return while speaking with Deadline at D23. “We’re talking with Johnny (Depp), we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done,” the producer revealed, confirming that discussions are active, but Depp has not formally signed on for “Pirates of the Caribbean 6.”
Disney has also not announced a release date, production schedule, or complete cast for the movie. With the screenplay still being developed, Depp’s role and the broader direction of the film could change before production begins.
Even so, Bruckheimer’s update is a meaningful step forward for fans after years of conflicting reports about whether the franchise would return as a reboot, a direct sequel, or an entirely separate story featuring new characters.
Margot Robbie Could Lead The Next ‘Pirates’ Era
Sources reportedly familiar with the project claim Disney’s next voyage will not revolve exclusively around Captain Jack Sparrow. The proposed story is said to focus on a protagonist played by Robbie, with Depp’s character appearing in a secondary capacity. That structure would allow Disney to reconnect with longtime fans through Sparrow while introducing a new lead capable of carrying future installments.
Robbie has been associated with a female-led “Pirates of the Caribbean” project for several years. Bruckheimer previously indicated that Disney had been exploring both a reboot and a separate movie involving the “Barbie” actress.
The latest report suggests those concepts may have evolved into a single film that combines Robbie’s new character with Depp’s established pirate. However, neither Disney nor Robbie has officially confirmed her participation. Details about the alleged character, including her connection to Sparrow, also remain undisclosed.
‘Pirates Of The Caribbean 6’ Is A Disney Priority
Screenwriter Krysty Wilson-Cairns is reportedly working on the latest version of the script. Wilson-Cairns previously co-wrote the World War I drama “1917,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Her other credits include “Last Night in Soho” and “The Good Nurse.”
The sixth “Pirates” movie has reportedly become a priority for Disney under newly installed CEO Josh D’Amaro. Reviving the series could be enormously valuable for the studio. The five existing movies have generated approximately $4.5 billion at the worldwide box office, making “Pirates of the Caribbean” one of Disney’s most successful live-action franchises.
However, the next installment must solve a difficult creative problem of honoring the series’ history while proving it can survive beyond a story driven entirely by Sparrow. Placing Robbie at the center while giving Depp a supporting role could provide that bridge.
Johnny Depp Turned Jack Sparrow Into A Global Icon
Depp introduced Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” His performance helped transform a movie inspired by a Disney theme park attraction into a global phenomenon. Depp also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for the role.
He returned for “Dead Man’s Chest” in 2006 and “At World’s End” in 2007 before reprising the character in 2011’s “On Stranger Tides” and 2017’s “Dead Men Tell No Tales.” Disney has now gone nearly a decade without releasing another installment, despite the property’s continued name recognition and popularity across the company’s theme parks.
Johnny Depp’s Major Studio Comeback Is Gaining Momentum
A return to “Pirates of the Caribbean” would join an increasingly busy slate for Depp. The actor will portray Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount’s “Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol,” directed by Ti West. The gothic adaptation is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 13. The project will mark Depp’s first starring role in a major American studio release in nearly a decade.
He will then appear alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline in “Day Drinker,” a supernatural revenge thriller directed by Marc Webb. Lionsgate has scheduled “Day Drinker” for release on March 26, 2027. The film reunites Depp and Cruz following their previous collaborations on “Blow,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” and “Murder on the Orient Express.”
Depp has continued working in independent and international cinema in recent years. His projects have included “The Professor,” “City of Lies,” “Waiting for the Barbarians,” “Minamata” and “Jeanne du Barry.” He also returned to directing with “Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” a film centered on Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.
