Johnny Depp Is Closer Than Ever to ‘Pirates’ Return — But It’s Complicated
For years, Johnny Depp’s name and Pirates of the Caribbean felt inseparable. But if you’ve been following the headlines over the past few years, you know the waters have been anything but smooth.
After Disney distanced itself from the actor amid his very public legal battles, it looked like Captain Jack Sparrow had taken his final voyage.
Now? There’s fresh wind in the sails.
A New Report Shakes the Compass
According to a report from Express, Johnny Depp is reportedly in “advanced talks” with Disney to return to the role that made him a global icon. That alone is enough to spark celebration across the fandom — petitions have been circulating for years, demanding his comeback. But before you dust off your tricorn hat, there’s one big detail to keep in mind: it’s complicated.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed earlier that two separate Pirates scripts are in development. One may include Jack Sparrow. The other doesn’t. So while Depp may be in talks, nothing is confirmed, and Disney hasn’t exactly shouted from the rooftops about wanting him back.
A Company in Need of a Hit
Let’s be honest. Disney could use a course correction. Recent projects haven’t fared well with audiences. Lightyear stumbled at the box office. The Snow White remake was already buried in fan backlash before it even hit theaters, and it got worse once it hit theaters. And fans are openly saying that Disney’s magic is missing.
If the studio really wants to win fans back, bringing back one of the most beloved characters in Disney history might be the smartest move they’ve made in years. But that brings us back to the catch: Will Disney actually follow through?
What Could Be Next for Pirates of the Caribbean
With Bruckheimer on board and Depp reportedly open to the idea, this could all come down to timing — and how far Disney is willing to go to mend fences. There’s also the question of optics. Would the company publicly walk back its stance after years of silence? That’s not a small ask for a brand so concerned with its public image.
But at the end of the day, Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t the same without Jack Sparrow. And Disney knows it.
We’re closer than ever to a Depp return — but until Disney officially sets course, fans will be left watching the horizon.
