
Johnny Depp and Disney have had a significant and complex relationship over the years. Depp’s association with Disney is primarily linked to his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the highly successful Pirates of the Caribbean film series, which Disney produced. This role brought Depp immense fame and recognition and solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and talented actors.
Johnny Depp started working in the movie industry in 1987 with the popular movie Nightmare on Elm Street. Since that point, Johnny Depp has starred in movies such as Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sweeney Todd (2007), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and many more movies.
The success of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise elevated Depp’s career to new heights. The films became box office hits, grossing billions of dollars worldwide, and multiple sequels. Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow became known worldwide.
However, Depp’s relationship with Disney took a turn when he faced personal and legal troubles. In 2016, Depp’s then-wife, Amber Heard, accused him of domestic violence, which led to a highly publicized and contentious legal battle between the two actors. The legal battle brought their personal issues into the spotlight and significantly impacted Depp’s public image.
In 2020, Depp filed a libel lawsuit against the tabloids that referred to him as a “wife-beater” in an article about his relationship with Amber Heard. Unfortunately, the trial’s outcome did not favor Depp, as a judge ruled against him, stating that the tabloid’s claim was “substantially true.” This verdict further strained Depp’s relationship with Disney and led to his departure from the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, where he played Gellert Grindelwald. Last year, the couple faced off again in a defamation trial this time in the U.S. The ultimate verdict went in Depp’s favor and Amber Heard eventually settled outside of court, paying her ex-husband $1 million, that Depp promised to charity as a result of the defamation case.
Many fans hoped that after all the legal battles were over, Depp would return to portray Captain Jack Sparrow again, but as we’ve covered that simply will not be the case. Disney Dining previously shared the report that Johnny Depp had turned down Disney’s offer to return to the franchise. Now, Fandomwire shared Johnny Depp updates for the Pirates of the Caribbean and how this left Disney “shattered.”
Though Disney has shared it still has plans to move forward with Pirates of the Caribbean, it certainly won’t be the same without Johnny Depp. Many fans have said they will not watch a POTC film that does not involve Captain Jack Sparrow, but that hasn’t stopped the company from developing two scripts as it prepares to move the franchise forward, potentially with a new cast.
Depp recently moved out of Hollywood earlier this year and has been dabbling in both his music and acting career in Europe.