Report: Disney Pushes ‘Pirates’ Reboot Forward, But One Major Decision Could Explode

Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is officially drifting back into the spotlight, and this time, it feels like the studio is actually serious about making it happen.

For years, Pirates has existed in a strange state of limbo. Disney never fully shut the door on the franchise, but it also never delivered the clear “yes, we’re moving forward” message fans have been waiting for. Instead, rumors swirled, potential spinoffs were teased, and the future of the series became one long unanswered question.

Now, according to a new report, Disney is pushing the reboot forward again—and it’s happening at a time when the company itself is going through a major internal shakeup.

Bob Iger is expected to retire, Josh D’Amaro is set to take over as CEO, and Dana Walden will step into the role of The Walt Disney Company’s President and Chief Creative Officer. That’s a massive leadership reset, and it also means major franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean are about to be shaped by a completely different group of decision-makers.

And with that comes one explosive question Disney can’t avoid anymore.

Will Johnny Depp return?

Because no matter how Disney tries to frame this reboot, fans still view Captain Jack Sparrow as the heart of the franchise. Depp’s portrayal of Sparrow is what turned The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) into a cultural phenomenon, and even people who weren’t thrilled with later sequels still associate Pirates with him.

But the Depp situation remains complicated. Disney distanced itself from the actor following years of legal controversy, and since then, the studio has struggled to figure out how to continue the franchise without igniting backlash.

The new report suggests Disney may have found a middle ground.

Rather than centering the reboot on Jack Sparrow, the story is expected to focus on Sparrow’s son, a move that would keep the Sparrow name attached to the franchise while allowing Disney to introduce a new main character. That direction also leaves the door open for Depp to appear in some capacity—whether as a cameo, supporting role, or possibly something larger.

Margot Robbie is also reportedly still tied to the project, which could indicate Disney is aiming to modernize the franchise and build a new cast around a different type of lead.

But that’s where things get dangerous.

If Disney brings Depp back, the studio risks reigniting controversy and turning the reboot into a nonstop media circus. If Disney doesn’t bring him back, fans could revolt and treat the movie as a pointless reboot that never had a chance.

And even if Depp appears briefly, that might not satisfy audiences who want Jack Sparrow front and center again.

No matter what Disney chooses, the decision is going to spark outrage from someone. That’s why this reboot feels less like a fun franchise revival and more like a ticking time bomb.

Disney wants Pirates of the Caribbean back. The only question is whether the company can bring it back without blowing up the fanbase in the process.