The whispers of Johnny Depp’s potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise have set the internet ablaze, igniting fervent debates among fans of the swashbuckling series. For years, Captain Jack Sparrow, portrayed by Depp with an eccentric charm that turned a theme park ride into a billion-dollar cinematic juggernaut, has been the heart of the franchise. But after a tumultuous fallout with Disney amid his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, many believed Depp’s days as the rum-loving pirate were over. Now, as of May 2025, fresh reports suggest that Depp might be setting sail once more—either for a full-fledged return or a clever cameo to drum up buzz for his upcoming projects. So, what’s really happening on the high seas of Hollywood? Let’s dive into the details and explore the possibilities.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which began with the unexpected 2003 hit The Curse of the Black Pearl, revolutionized the pirate genre. Depp’s portrayal of Jack Sparrow, a quirky blend of Keith Richards’ rockstar swagger and Pepé Le Pew’s comedic flair, earned him an Oscar nomination and cemented the character as a pop culture icon. The series went on to produce five films, grossing over $4.5 billion worldwide, making it one of Disney’s most lucrative properties. However, the fifth installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), received mixed reviews, and Depp’s personal controversies soon cast a shadow over the franchise’s future.
Depp’s legal saga with Amber Heard began in 2016 when Heard filed for a restraining order, alleging domestic abuse. In 2018, Heard penned an op-ed for The Washington Post about her experience as a survivor of abuse, without naming Depp directly. The fallout was swift: a UK newspaper branded Depp a “wife beater,” prompting him to sue for libel—a case he lost. Disney, wary of the growing #MeToo movement, dropped Depp from the Pirates franchise and other projects, including the Fantastic Beasts series. Depp’s career took a nosedive, and he publicly declared during his 2022 defamation trial against Heard that he would never work with Disney again—not for $300 million, not for a million alpacas. Yet, Depp won that trial, securing a $10 million settlement and a wave of public support that painted him as a victim of unfair treatment. This victory marked the beginning of his slow return to Hollywood, with roles in Jeanne du Barry (2023) and the upcoming Day Drinker alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline.
Fast forward to April 2025, and reports from outlets like The Daily Express and MovieWeb reveal that Disney is in “advanced talks” to bring Depp back as Captain Jack Sparrow for Pirates of the Caribbean 6. A senior executive reportedly stated, “It’s very close to being a done deal,” with a script already in place for a series reboot that could lead to more adventures for Depp. The proposed release date? Easter 2026—a surprisingly swift timeline that suggests filming could start imminently. Disney allegedly prepared two scripts: one with Depp and one without, and they’re ready to scrap the latter. This news has sparked a firestorm of speculation: Is Depp returning to lead the franchise, or is this a calculated cameo to leverage his star power for marketing purposes?
The idea of a full return makes sense from a financial perspective. Fans have been vocal about their desire to see Depp reprise his role, with some estimating that a sixth film featuring the original cast could gross $2.5 billion. The franchise’s loyal fanbase has consistently argued that Pirates without Jack Sparrow is like a ship without a captain—a sentiment echoed by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to see Depp return. Bruckheimer, who has called Depp a “terrific actor” and “friend,” told Entertainment Weekly in 2024 that he’d love to have Depp back, emphasizing that the character of Jack Sparrow was entirely Depp’s creation. The nostalgia factor also plays a role: after a nearly decade-long gap since the last film, audiences are hungry for the over-the-top adventures and campy supernatural elements that defined the series’ golden era.
However, there’s a compelling case for the cameo theory. Depp’s career is on an upward trajectory with Day Drinker, a thriller directed by Marc Webb, set to release soon. Lionsgate recently unveiled a first look at Depp’s character, which left fans stunned by his unrecognizable appearance—a testament to his ability to reinvent himself. A cameo in Pirates of the Caribbean 6 could serve as a strategic move to cross-promote his new project while satisfying fans with a brief return of their beloved pirate. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with some users suggesting that Disney might be considering a supporting role for Depp rather than a lead, allowing the franchise to pivot to new characters while still capitalizing on his star power. This approach aligns with Disney’s broader reboot strategy, which Bruckheimer has described as a way to refresh the series without relying on the availability of legacy actors.
But there are hurdles to a full comeback. Depp’s past statements about Disney’s betrayal—he felt “betrayed” by their swift decision to cut ties—suggest lingering resentment. During his defamation trial, he was adamant that nothing could lure him back to the franchise. While time may have softened his stance, as a source close to Depp told PEOPLE in 2023 that “anything is possible” with the right project, it’s unclear if Disney has offered the apology and terms Depp might demand. Additionally, the franchise itself has shown signs of fatigue. The later Pirates films, particularly Dead Men Tell No Tales, were criticized for relying too heavily on Sparrow’s antics at the expense of fresh storytelling. A full return risks repeating this pattern, whereas a cameo could provide a nostalgic nod without overshadowing new narratives.
Disney’s reboot plans add another layer of complexity. Bruckheimer has confirmed that Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will be a reboot, potentially introducing new characters and storylines. Rumors have swirled about alternative leads, including Margot Robbie and, more recently, Ayo Edebiri from The Bear, though Robbie’s female-led spinoff was reportedly shelved. A reboot suggests that Disney is looking to move beyond the Sparrow-centric formula, which could mean Depp’s role—if any—would be limited to a passing of the torch. Imagine a scene where an older, wiser Jack Sparrow hands over his compass to a new pirate captain, setting the stage for a fresh adventure while giving fans a bittersweet farewell.
On the other hand, Depp’s return could be a poetic full-circle moment. His victory in the defamation trial, coupled with his recent acting projects, has restored much of his public image. A lead role in Pirates 6 would not only be a personal triumph but also a strategic win for Disney, which has struggled with recent franchises like Star Wars and Marvel when deviating from fan-favorite characters. The gap between films—now the longest in the franchise’s history—has only heightened nostalgia, making Depp’s return a potential box office goldmine.
So, is Johnny Depp coming back to Pirates of the Caribbean for a starring role, or is this a cleverly disguised cameo to market Day Drinker? The evidence points to a strong possibility of his return, likely in a limited capacity. Disney’s reboot plans and Depp’s own career trajectory suggest that a cameo is the more probable scenario, allowing the studio to test the waters with new characters while giving fans a taste of the Jack Sparrow magic. However, if Disney and Depp can mend their fractured relationship, a full return isn’t out of the question—especially if the studio meets his demands for a proper reconciliation.
As we await official confirmation, one thing is clear: the seas of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise are stirring once more, and Johnny Depp’s name is at the center of the storm. Whether he’s back to lead the charge or simply to wave from the crow’s nest, his presence alone is enough to send fans into a frenzy. For now, all eyes are on the horizon, waiting to see if Captain Jack Sparrow will sail again—or if this is just a clever marketing mirage.
