The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, a swashbuckling juggernaut that has grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide since its debut in 2003, may soon set sail again with two of its most iconic stars at the helm. On May 11, 2025, posts on X revealed that Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp are reportedly in talks to return for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, a development that follows reports of Disney sending an “apology package” to Depp after his controversial firing in late 2018. For fans of the beloved series, this news marks a potential turning point, reigniting hope for a return to the high seas with Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. This article explores the latest developments, the tumultuous history behind Depp’s exit, Bloom’s openness to reprising his role, and what this could mean for the future of Disney’s pirate saga.
A Tumultuous History
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise began as a surprising triumph in 2003 with The Curse of the Black Pearl, a film based on a Disneyland ride that no one expected to become a cultural phenomenon. Johnny Depp’s eccentric portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, alongside Orlando Bloom’s noble Will Turner and Keira Knightley’s fierce Elizabeth Swann, turned the film into a global hit, earning over $650 million and spawning a series that would dominate the 2000s. The original trilogy—followed by Dead Man’s Chest (2006) and At World’s End (2007)—was a critical and commercial success, with the latter two films each grossing over $1 billion. However, the franchise’s later entries, On Stranger Tides (2011) and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), saw diminishing returns, with the fifth film earning $794.8 million, the lowest since the original.
Depp’s role as Jack Sparrow was the heart of the series, a character he largely created, infusing the pirate with a quirky charm that became a pop culture staple. But in late 2018, Disney made the controversial decision to drop Depp from the franchise, a move prompted by domestic violence allegations made by his ex-wife, Amber Heard, in a 2018 Washington Post op-ed. Though Heard did not name Depp directly, the timing of the allegations—coupled with a 2018 Daily Mail article reporting Depp’s exit—led Disney to sever ties, fearing damage to their family-friendly image. According to testimony during Depp’s 2022 defamation trial against Heard, which he won, the actor lost a potential $22.5 million payday for Pirates 6 due to the fallout.
The decision sparked outrage among fans, who launched petitions on platforms like Change.org, one of which amassed over 600,000 signatures demanding Depp’s return. Many argued that Disney acted prematurely, especially since Depp was later cleared of the allegations in court. During the trial, Depp expressed his sense of betrayal, stating, “I didn’t quite understand how after that long relationship and quite a successful relationship with Disney that… suddenly I was guilty until proven innocent.” He also famously declared that nothing—not even “$300 million and a million alpacas”—would convince him to return to the franchise, a sentiment that reflected the depth of his hurt.
Disney’s Apology Package and a Potential Reconciliation
Fast forward to early 2025, and the tides appear to be turning. Reports surfaced that Disney, perhaps recognizing the franchise’s reliance on Depp’s iconic character, sent an “apology package” to the actor in an effort to mend fences. While details of the package remain speculative, sources suggest it included a heartfelt letter from Disney executives Bob Iger and Sean Bailey, acknowledging the studio’s hasty decision in 2018 and expressing a desire to work together again. This gesture comes after years of uncertainty, during which Disney explored alternative paths for the franchise, including a female-led spin-off with Margot Robbie that was ultimately shelved in 2022.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a longtime collaborator with Depp and a key figure in the Pirates series, has been vocal about his desire to see the actor return. In a 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Bruckheimer said, “I’d love to have him in the movie; that’s all I can tell you.” More recently, Variety reported in December 2024 that Disney was developing two scripts for Pirates 6, one of which includes Depp’s Jack Sparrow, with “nothing ruled out” regarding his return. The studio’s willingness to reconcile seems driven by both fan demand and the franchise’s stagnating performance without its central star—Dead Men Tell No Tales marked a significant drop in box office revenue, and many attributed this to the growing fatigue around a Sparrow-centric narrative that lacked the balance of the original trilogy’s ensemble.
The apology package, if true, represents a rare public olive branch from Disney, a company often criticized for prioritizing image over loyalty. For Depp, who has been rebuilding his career with projects like Jeanne du Barry (2023) and the upcoming Day Drinker, the gesture may signal a path toward closure. Fans on X have been vocal about their support, with one user posting on May 11, 2025, “Depp an bloom in talks for pirates 6 ? Please jonny do it for the fans please 🤞🏼🙏🏼,” reflecting the widespread hope for his return.
Orlando Bloom’s Openness to Return
Adding to the excitement, Orlando Bloom has reportedly joined Depp in discussions to reprise his role as Will Turner, the earnest blacksmith-turned-pirate who became a fan favorite in the original trilogy. Bloom’s character, last seen in a cameo in Dead Men Tell No Tales, was freed from the curse of the Flying Dutchman, allowing him to reunite with Elizabeth Swann. In a January 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bloom expressed openness to returning, saying, “Listen, it was a wild and fun experience so, you know, never say never. I have a lot of respect for that experience, and [producer] Jerry [Bruckheimer], and the whole thing.” He added, “I’m happy that I got to be a part of something that feels like it’s standing the test of time, which is cool.”
Bloom’s potential return would bring a nostalgic element to Pirates 6, recapturing the dynamic between Will and Jack that defined the early films. While Keira Knightley has stated she will not return—citing the toll the franchise took on her career and her current focus on motherhood—Bloom’s willingness to step back into the role offers Disney a chance to reconnect with fans who long for the chemistry of the original cast. A script featuring both Bloom and Depp could provide the balance the series has lacked in recent years, moving away from the over-reliance on Sparrow’s antics that critics argue diminished the later films’ quality.
What This Means for Pirates of the Caribbean 6
The news of Depp and Bloom’s potential return comes at a critical juncture for the franchise. Disney has been grappling with how to revive Pirates after a seven-year hiatus, with multiple projects in development but no clear direction. In a June 2024 interview with Collider, Bruckheimer revealed that two scripts were being worked on—one with Depp and one without—indicating the studio’s uncertainty about how to proceed. Disney Studio Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey told The New York Times in 2024 that the next film would “honor the films that have come before but also has something new to say,” suggesting a desire to balance nostalgia with innovation.
If Depp and Bloom do return, Pirates 6 could serve as a soft reboot, blending familiar faces with new characters to reinvigorate the series. The post-credits scene in Dead Men Tell No Tales hinted at the return of Davy Jones, played by Bill Nighy, which could provide a compelling antagonist for a new story. Alternatively, the film could explore Will Turner’s life post-curse, perhaps involving his son, Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), who was introduced in the fifth film. However, the franchise’s history of declining critical reception—starting with Dead Man’s Chest and continuing through Dead Men Tell No Tales—means Disney must tread carefully. As noted by ScreenRant in 2024, the series has struggled with an over-reliance on supernatural elements and repetitive storytelling, issues that a return to the original ensemble could help address.
A Legacy at Stake
For Johnny Depp, returning to Pirates of the Caribbean would be a chance to give Jack Sparrow the “proper goodbye” he spoke of during his 2022 trial, a sentiment that resonated with fans who felt his abrupt exit was unjust. For Orlando Bloom, it would be an opportunity to revisit a role that launched his career, bringing closure to Will Turner’s arc. For Disney, it’s a calculated risk—bringing back Depp could reenergize the franchise, but it also reopens old wounds from a controversial chapter in the studio’s history.
As of May 12, 2025, nothing is confirmed, and the talks remain speculative. Yet the prospect of Depp and Bloom returning, following Disney’s reported apology package, has sparked renewed excitement among fans. Whether Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will sail into theaters with its original stars or chart a new course entirely, one thing is clear: the legacy of Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner continues to captivate audiences, proving that the call of the sea—and the promise of adventure—remains as strong as ever.
