The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has hit stormy waters ever since Johnny Depp’s exit from the series.
With Depp publicly stating he wouldn’t return as Captain Jack Sparrow, fans have expressed concern about the future of the sixth installment. For many, Depp’s portrayal of the quirky and charismatic Sparrow is synonymous with the franchise’s success. However, Disney has remained tight-lipped about how they plan to move forward without him.
The Pirates films have seen declining returns over the years, and replacing Depp isn’t the only hurdle Disney faces. After the huge success of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which grossed over $305 million domestically in 2003, the franchise began to experience diminishing box office numbers with each subsequent film. Dead Men Tell No Tales brought in just $173 million in 2017, reflecting a significant drop in audience interest.
Despite the rumors of a female-led reboot starring Margot Robbie, fans have been vocal about their desire for Depp to return. Many believe that his portrayal of Jack Sparrow is irreplaceable, and without him, the magic that defined the franchise will be lost. ScreenRant recently reported that the real challenge for Disney is not just finding a new lead but also ending a trend of underwhelming sequels.
While there’s no official word from Disney on what the sixth movie will look like, it’s clear that nostalgia alone won’t be enough to save the franchise. Fans want more than just a familiar name attached to the project—they want a return to the more adventurous, grounded storytelling that made the first film so beloved. Over time, the films have leaned heavily on CGI and fantastical elements, straying from the swashbuckling fun that first drew audiences in.
Even if Disney were to somehow convince Depp to return, his presence alone may not be enough to salvage the franchise. After all, while Jack Sparrow has been a constant in the series, the overall quality of the films has declined. Many fans feel the key to saving Pirates lies in returning to the roots that made The Curse of the Black Pearl so successful: compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and heart-pounding adventure.
As it stands, the future of Pirates of the Caribbean remains uncertain. Disney has yet to officially confirm any details about the next film, leaving fans to wonder what direction the studio will take. With or without Depp, the sixth installment will need to strike a balance between honoring the original films while bringing something fresh to the table. However, given the mixed reception to recent sequels and the loss of the franchise’s most beloved character, Disney has a tough task ahead.
The franchise’s struggles mirror the larger challenge facing many long-running series—how to keep audiences engaged after so many years. For now, fans can only hope that Disney finds a way to breathe new life into Pirates of the Caribbean, whether that means the return of familiar faces or an entirely new approach.
If Johnny Depp decides he wants to return in the role as Capt Jack Sparrow, it will be a money printing machine for Disney. Johnny’s support is worldwide, he is absolutely beloved, and every project he has been a part of since the trial has been a smashing success. The public can’t be any clearer – we love him, we support him, and we will 100% put our money where our mouth is. If Disney can get him back, they get the hundreds of millions of fans of his back, too.