Johnny Depp is a Real Life Pirate According to Expert

Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp is making waves recently with his recent injury, canceled performances, unconsciousness, and possible addiction relapse. Add in legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard and an upcoming doctor and it’s safe to say the actor-turned rocker has been busy. Fans are expressing concern for him, but also a desire to see him return the helm as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Credit: Disney

The beloved character actor has played iconic roles like Willy Wonka, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd, the Mad Hatter, and Gellert Grindelwald, but his most famous role is undoubtedly Jack Sparrow. Beginning in 2003, Johnny Depp immersed himself in the world of piracy for Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl in order to become our great Captain. However, one pirate expert says that Depp himself is a pirate, no costume required.

Pirate expert Iszi Lawrence says that while the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise got many things wrong, it got one thing right: its star. She said that no one got branded as a pirate but getting arrested could lead to (literal) branding and a life of piracy due to social norms at the time. “You know, whatever. People were branded. If you’re clergy and you got arrested for something you could be branded, but then you couldn’t be clergy again.”

Depp was already a huge star by the time his ex-wife Amber Heard accused him of domestic violence. The court of public opinion was swift and though he was never formally arrested, he was branded a “wife beater” and cast from normal society. He couldn’t find work, most major studios dropped their projects with him. Like the pirates from a bygone eras, he didn’t let that stop him from making a living. He went on to join shock-rock superband Hollywood Vampires. While he didn’t resort to a life of crime, he made his own way. He received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival for his indie film Jeanne Du Barry.

Credit: ABC

Recognition was also important to a pirate. Lawrence quoted Jack Sparrow saying, “Depp’s line here, ’But you have heard of me,’ is wonderful. That’s what you wanted as a pirate. You wanted your name to precede you so people would give up before fighting you.” Johnny Depp’s name does indeed precede him and following his fierce battle in the Defamation trial against Heard, we’d definitely think twice before fighting him.

Finally she said, “Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow as the sort of cool rock star is bang on because pirates [of the time] were seen by the general populace as incredibly cool and sexy.” We will leave it at that, because…enough said. If you need further convincing though:

Credit: Dior

There you have it. He may not sail the high seas and plunder treasure, but Johnny Depp is a modern day pirate. Effortlessly cool, fierce, and branded he still continues on making a way for himself. Long live Johnny Depp, actor, rock star, pirate.