Disney Executives Trust Johnny Depp to Bring Jack Sparrow to Life

You love him. We love him. The entire world loves Johnny Depp, and he’s back in a big way, making his directorial return for Modì and exciting details regarding his beloved character, Jack Sparrow.

The talent of Johnny Depp remains to be seen in fresh Hollywood faces. Despite the recent downtrod following his very public defamation case with ex-wife Amber Heard, the Finding Neverland actor remains in high demand. Fans, drooling, want the once great Captain Jack Sparrow back for Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, and there’s no compromise on how they think the company should move forward.

Credit; Disney/ Canva

The collective masses want Depp back after his firing by Disney executives following the release of Amber Heard’s accusations of abuse against the former Fantastic Beasts star. The infamous character, remaining one of the most beloved and recognizable Disney properties to date, has been adored by fans since he regained control of his dear Black Pearl in the first installment of Pirates in 2003.

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However, Johnny Depp has been quiet regarding a return to Disney. Although, many close to him, including long-time friend Tim Burton, believe that the Sweeney Todd actor would strongly consider a return if the script was proper.

Johnny Depp’s Much Needed Sabbatical

The time following his win over ex-wife Amber Heard has not been great for Johnny Depp. Citing a series of unfortunate events while on tour with his musical number the Hollywood Vampires, the death of good friend Jeff Beck, and rumors surrounding his return to drug and alcohol use, much coverage regarding Depp has been shown in a negative light.

Things have become even muddier since the release of Netflix’s background investigation into the defamation case between the superstar and his ex-wife, Depp V Heard. Some support for Johnny Depp has wavered as a series of text messages, now submitted as evidence in his trial, suggest that in at least one incident, the Jack Sparrow great was indeed physically abusive to his ex-wife.

Credit: Disney/ Flikr TaaHGF

Combined with photos that show Depp looking a bit precarious as he strolled around the Cannes Film Festival with the assistance of a cane, following what many claim to be an ankle injury suffered during a show, it seemed that a return to Pirates of the Caribbean simply wasn’t in the cards for the seemingly troubled actor.

Since those infamous Cannes Film Festival photos leaked, Depp has been a bit more reclusive in nature, taking up shelter at his property in the Bahamas whilst spending time with his family, such as daughter Lily Rose Depp. However, that doesn’t mean that the Mad Hatter hasn’t been working.

Depp’s Career Shifts Focus

Although not Pirates of the Caribbean, Johnny Depp has been hard at work as the frontman for Sauvag Dior. Although this gig was overshadowed by rumors regarding Depp’s attorney, Camille Vasquez, using the actor’s cologne in courthouse bathrooms to intimidate Amber Heard, Depp’s career in front of and behind the camera is still in full swing.

Related: Johnny Depp Blasted Amid ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Return

Currently, the 21 Jump Street actor has been working in Hungary alongside Al Pacino and Riccardo Scamarcio, directing the film Modì. This newest venture by Depp tells the story of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. Joining Mr. Depp on set is Benjamin Lavernhe, who worked closely with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s Willy Wonka on Jean Du Barry, in which Depp played Louis XV.

Credit: Netflix

Although the great and versatile actor has been hard-at-work, damning rumors haven’t ceased surrounding his involvement with love interests like Jenna Ortega. Although the whispers regarding his romantic involvement with the Wednesday actress have been put to bed, they have also led to other talks of Depp appearing back on camera for his long-time friend Tim Burton’s upcoming sequel to Beetlejuice. This has also led many to speculate that Mr. Depp may be working on another famous remake by Disney and Burton in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow: A Cash Cow

Johnny Depp’s ability to take a role and create magic is unmatched in Hollywood. Working alongside greats like Marlon Brandon, Helena Bonham Carter, and others, sentiments related to his creativity and genius remain the same despite the assassination attempt on his reputation by Amber Heard.

Related: Johnny Depp Back as Jack Sparrow at Disney?

Due to his relational brilliance in understanding the emotions and deep-seated being of his roles, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street has enjoyed an illustrious career dotted with Academy Award-winning roles. The Rum Diary (2011), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Secret Window (2004) are just a few roles that highlight the glorious madness that is Johnny Depp. 

Credit: Disney

Although his wide range of acting has allowed him other roles in popularized films such as Blow (2001), Donnie Brosco (1997), and Sleepy Hollow (1999), Depp’s most recognizable work comes as the sea-faring, swashbuckling, Disney pirate, Jack Sparrow.

Although Depp was all but fired from the role after the allegations by Amber Heard, even Disney can’t deny the success they’ve experienced thanks to Mr. Depp’s captivating and exciting portrayal of what has become the “greatest pirate ever to live.” As the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has made a whopping $4.5 billion globally, much of that earning is a direct result of Depp’s ability to bring Jack Sparrow to life in his own way.

Disney Doubts Johnny Depp

Interestingly enough, when taking on the role of Jack Sparrow, Depp’s defiance and brilliance were put on full display to the doubts and worries of Disney executives. Determined to bring a unique and larger-than-life portrayal of the pirate king to the screen, Depp put himself through mental and physical preparation, the likes of which Disney had never encountered.

Depp was “hellbent on transforming himself for the role,” sharing with Collider in a recent interview, “This sounds weird, but Captain Jack was born in a sauna… I figured this guy has been on the high seas for the majority of his life and therefore has dealt with inescapable heat to the brain. So I cranked the sauna up to about 1000 degrees and sat in there as long as I could until it started to affect me mentally.”

Credit: Disney

Dedicated to bringing a character to life the likes of which no one had ever seen, the sauna wasn’t the only thing that Depp endured to complete his Jack Sparrow transformation. To the discomfort of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and the disapproval of Disney executives, Mr. Depp made physical alterations to his own body, which still impact him today.

Related: Johnny Depp Wants Disney To Take Major Risk in ‘Pirates 6

In an interview with the LA Times, Johnny Depp details installing gold and platinum veneers on his teeth and tattooing his own body to appear suitable for the role. 

Credit: Disney/ Canva

“[Producer Jerry Bruckheimer] was slightly uncomfortable and the Disney executives weren’t exactly enthusiastic about it. I said, ‘Look, these are the choices I made. You know my work. So either trust me, or give me the boot.’ And luckily, they didn’t.”

Depp went on to explain that the veneers he used have caused plenty of current dental issues, citing that the process for removing them can be “ugly.” As some in the media took aim at Depp’s dental hygiene during his appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, maybe this is a reasonable explanation.

Depp’s Dedication to His Craft Pay Off

If there’s one thing anyone would say about Johnny Depp, he’s dedicated. The famed actor often shows his appreciation and love for his fans, even portraying the famous Jack Sparrow recently for a terminally ill fan who passed away a few weeks back. Without this sense of duty, Depp’s now adored pirate character likely wouldn’t have resonated so well with Pirates of the Caribbean fans.

Related: Disney Makes Johnny Depp’s Dreams Come True With ‘Pirates’ Decision

Depp’s ability to create lasting performances is also a considerable reason why he garnered so much support during his case with Amber Heard from his loyal fans. Despite the reservations by Disney executives about Mr. Depp’s seemingly eccentric and over-the-top preparation for the role of Jack Sparrow, it certainly paid off big for Disney and Depp in the end.