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Disney Unveils New Pirates Show, Then Removes Update: What’s Going On with Johnny Depp?

In a surprising but exciting turn of events, Disney Parks shared a now-deleted post earlier today revealing an incredible new addition to its Disney Cruise Line offerings. The spotlight? Captain Jack Sparrow himself. While the social media post has since been removed, the details shared are still accessible through Disney’s official press release, much to the delight of fans.

A stage performance with actors dressed as pirates and a large mermaid silhouette projected in the background. The set resembles a ship, with actors posing dynamically. An audience is watching in the foreground.
Credit: Disney

The highly anticipated show, titled Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen, is set to take center stage aboard the Disney Adventure cruise ship, which is scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage on December 15, 2025, in Singapore. According to the official release, Jack Sparrow and his crew will engage in an epic battle against an ink-squirting giant squid while searching for rare treasure. The show will be performed on the Disney Imagination Garden stage, creating a swashbuckling adventure for guests of all ages.

Scott Gustin also shared the news on X, “Disney Cruise Line shared new details about “Duffy and The Friend Ship” and Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen” – two new shows that will debut on the Disney Adventure when it sets sail from Singapore later this year.”

For those who may not be familiar, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which has captivated audiences since The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, has become one of Disney’s most iconic series. Jack Sparrow, portrayed by Johnny Depp, has become synonymous with the franchise’s success, offering fans memorable characters, thrilling adventure, and a touch of humor.

Although the Pirates films have been largely dormant in recent years, Jack Sparrow remains a fixture in Disney’s wider entertainment offerings, from theme park experiences to video games. With the upcoming Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen stage show, it’s clear that Disney is continuing to celebrate the franchise’s enduring appeal. However, the sudden removal of the initial social media post left some wondering whether there’s more at play behind the scenes. While the reasons for the removal are unclear, the original press release remains intact, ensuring that fans can still look forward to the show.

Johnny Depp’s Role in Pirates of the Caribbean — Is a Return Possible?

The question on every Pirates of the Caribbean fan’s mind: will Johnny Depp ever return as Captain Jack Sparrow? After the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017, many speculated that Depp’s days as the beloved pirate might be behind him, largely due to the legal battles that have followed him in recent years. The controversies surrounding his personal life, particularly his tumultuous relationship with ex-wife Amber Heard, led to speculation about whether Disney would continue to work with him.

Disney has not officially announced plans for Depp’s return to the franchise, but in a 2023 interview with Collider, Pirates producer Jerry Bruckheimer did suggest that Depp could come back to the role under the right circumstances. He mentioned that Disney is currently working on two scripts—one of which could potentially include Depp’s Jack Sparrow if the actor is interested. This opens up a small window of hope for fans hoping to see Depp reprise his iconic role.

Depp’s involvement with the Pirates franchise has been a defining aspect of the series since its inception. His charismatic and unpredictable portrayal of Captain Jack helped make the films the international phenomenon they became. Even so, despite the continued popularity of Jack Sparrow in other forms of media—such as video games like Fortnite and Sea of Thieves, as well as theme park attractions—the future of Depp’s involvement in Pirates remains uncertain.

In addition to a potential return for Depp, there’s also the question of what direction Disney might take with the franchise. In 2020, a reboot of the Pirates series was announced, with Margot Robbie set to star in the lead role. This reboot is expected to bring fresh faces and stories to the franchise, while still maintaining ties to the core pirate spirit that has captivated fans for years. As for Depp’s potential return, that decision will ultimately lie with the actor himself, and fans will be waiting with bated breath to see if he’s willing to once again don the infamous pirate hat.

Could Orlando Bloom Reprise His Role as Will Turner?

A man with long wavy hair, wearing a headband and an earring, looks intensely off to the side. Behind him is a ship with intricate wooden carvings, giving a sense of a maritime setting. The overall scene is serious and dramatic.
Credit: Disney

While Johnny Depp’s future in Pirates of the Caribbean remains up in the air, Orlando Bloom’s character, Will Turner, has also been a subject of fan speculation in recent years. The post-credits scene in Dead Men Tell No Tales teased the possibility of more adventures for Will, who was left as the cursed captain of the Flying Dutchman. Fans have been eagerly wondering if Bloom could return to his iconic role in future Pirates installments.

Unlike Depp, Bloom has openly expressed interest in revisiting his role. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bloom revealed that he had heard from producer Jerry Bruckheimer about the ongoing development of new Pirates projects. While Bloom didn’t confirm his involvement, he did say he’d be open to returning if the right opportunity arose. “Listen, it was a wild and fun experience, so, you know, never say never,” Bloom said, showing his willingness to return to the franchise if the story called for it.

The actor also praised Bruckheimer’s ability to bring “big guns” to the table, suggesting that whatever Pirates project is in the works, it’s likely to be just as action-packed and memorable as the films that came before. However, Bloom also admitted that he hasn’t given much thought to returning to the role of Will Turner recently. “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,” he added.

Unlike Depp’s more complicated relationship with Disney, Bloom seems more open to a return to the world of Pirates. This leaves the door open for the possibility that Will Turner could once again take center stage, especially if the upcoming Pirates reboot or sequel involves the characters we’ve come to know and love.

The Future of Pirates of the Caribbean — What’s Next?

A group of people dressed in pirate costumes stand on the deck of a ship. The person at the center has short dark hair and a serious expression. Others around him wear various pirate hats and accessories, with a woman in elaborate clothing and long braids.
Credit: Disney

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is undoubtedly a cultural juggernaut, one that has left a lasting impact on Disney’s history. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Johnny Depp’s return as Jack Sparrow and the ongoing evolution of the franchise, it’s clear that Disney is committed to keeping the Pirates legacy alive. From the upcoming Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen stage show on the Disney Adventure to the potential reboot starring Margot Robbie, there’s a strong indication that the world of pirates will continue to thrive in various forms.

For those holding out hope for Depp’s return as Jack Sparrow, the latest updates provide a glimmer of possibility, especially with Bruckheimer’s comments about the potential for a return. However, the Pirates franchise isn’t just about one actor—it’s about the entire world that was created. Whether or not Depp returns, Disney has the opportunity to reinvent the series while honoring the legacy of Captain Jack.

As for Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner, it seems there’s a greater chance that he could return, especially given the open-ended nature of his character’s storyline in Dead Men Tell No Tales. His openness to returning to the role suggests that the future of the franchise could very well include Will’s journey on the high seas once again.

The world of Pirates of the Caribbean is far from over, and whether through new shows, films, or other forms of media, fans can expect to see more swashbuckling adventures in the future. Time will tell if Jack Sparrow and Will Turner will reunite on the big screen, but the excitement surrounding the franchise’s next chapter is enough to keep fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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