After years of uncertainty, the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise might be taking shape. As whispers circulate online, a fan-made trailer featuring Johnny Depp and Margot Robbie has taken the internet by storm, amassing over a million views within weeks. This resurgence of interest could hint at what Disney may have in store as the franchise finds itself at a crossroads.
The last time fans were treated to a Pirates film was in 2017, with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. That movie marked the final appearance of Depp’s iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, the swashbuckling antihero who, along with characters like Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) and Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), launched the $4.5 billion franchise. Depp’s portrayal of Jack Sparrow, unforgettable and unmistakable, became the heartbeat of the series. Yet, even with a loyal fan base and billion-dollar earnings, the franchise remains adrift in Hollywood limbo.
Following high-profile legal battles, including his 2020 libel trial and a 2022 defamation suit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp’s once-close relationship with Disney had eroded. The actor’s reply during the trial, in which he responded “no” to the question of whether he would return to Disney for “$300 million and a million alpacas,” left fans wondering if their beloved Jack Sparrow would ever come back to the high seas.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, however, has kept the flame alive, expressing a desire to bring Depp’s Jack Sparrow back in some capacity. Although Disney remains “non-committal,” two new projects have surfaced: a spin-off film starring Margot Robbie and a potential Pirates of the Caribbean 6 that promises a fresh storyline. While Robbie hinted that her spin-off might be stalled, Bruckheimer has confirmed that Pirates 6 is actively being developed and prioritized ahead of the spin-off.
Rumors have also swirled around the potential return of Depp’s Jack Sparrow in a supporting role, with additional speculation about new characters joining the cast. Emmy-winner Ayo Edebiri (known for The Bear and Inside Out 2) is reportedly cast as a character called Anne, though neither Disney nor Edebiri has commented on her role.
Pirates of the Caribbean 6: The Return of Davy Jones
Meanwhile, fan creativity has flourished, with trailers imagining new stories. The latest viral hit reimagines Depp and Robbie uniting in Pirates of the Caribbean 6: The Return of Davy Jones. This fan-made trailer, created by YouTube’s Darth Trailer channel, has captivated audiences with an intriguing storyline.
The trailer’s description reads: “Set sail once again on a thrilling journey across the Caribbean seas in Pirates of the Caribbean 6: The Return of Davy Jones! This anticipated film promises an epic adventure as the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, faces his greatest threat yet. The infamous Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) is rumored to be back, revived by dark forces, and seeking vengeance after his fate in earlier films.”
This proposed story arc teases a high-stakes conflict as Jack Sparrow, joined by Will Turner, must “unravel ancient secrets and battle supernatural enemies in an attempt to stop Jones from wreaking havoc on the living and reclaiming the seas.” Fans are promised a return to classic adventure, blended with new challenges to captivate audiences once more.
Expanding on the trailer’s potential storyline, Margot Robbie’s rumored character brings a “fresh dynamic to the pirate crew.” The synopsis hints that her role might introduce alliances and conflicts, as she could serve as either an ally or an adversary to Sparrow. “Captain Jack finds himself navigating treacherous alliances as he faces off against dark magic and vengeful spirits,” the fan-made synopsis continues. It teases a plot that would not only honor the franchise’s origins but also reveal new supernatural lore, giving insight into Davy Jones’s powers and the mythos surrounding the Flying Dutchman.
The trailer’s impact, despite being fictional, hasn’t been lost on fans, either. Enthusiastic reactions are flooding social media, with hundreds of comments calling for Depp’s return. Fans continue to express that without Jack Sparrow, a Pirates movie would feel incomplete. Many assert that Disney would make a serious misstep if they proceeded without Depp’s portrayal of the beloved character. The stakes are high: this sixth movie could determine whether Pirates of the Caribbean regains its former glory or risks fading into obscurity.
For fans who can’t wait to relive Jack Sparrow’s adventures, Disney+ offers every film from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, allowing viewers to dive back into the magic and mystery of the Caribbean while waiting for official news on Pirates of the Caribbean 6.
As Disney remains silent, fans are left with one question: will they get to see Depp’s Captain Jack set sail once more?
What do you hope to see in Pirates of the Caribbean 6? Let us know in the comments!
Pirates of the Carribean would not be the same without Johnny Depp.