Outlet Makes Attempt To Remove Johnny Depp From ‘Pirates’ Franchise Permanently

For years, it looked like the Pirates of the Caribbean films had left Johnny Depp in their wake. After the highly publicized fallout between the actor and Disney in 2018, the idea of him donning Captain Jack Sparrow’s hat again seemed about as likely as finding treasure without a map. Yet lately, the winds have been changing.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has openly hinted that talks with Depp have happened and that the actor might be willing to return—if the script can deliver something worthy of a comeback. The creative team, including The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin and veteran Pirates writer Ted Elliott, has worked alongside Dead Men Tell No Tales scribe Jeff Nathanson to put together a story that Bruckheimer says has an “amazing” third act. For many fans, that’s all the spark needed to imagine Jack Sparrow sailing again.

The Pushback Arrives

But not everyone’s on board with this course. In a sharply opinionated piece, Gizmodo argued that Depp’s return is not only unnecessary but could harm the franchise. The article claimed Captain Jack had already “overstayed his welcome” long before his personal life became front-page news, and suggested the series might be better left sunk than forced to rely on Depp’s star power.

This stance couldn’t be more different from fan sentiment. Online discussions are dominated by “No Depp, no Pirates” declarations. Supporters point to the failed Margot Robbie-led spinoff and lackluster enthusiasm for a full reboot as evidence that audiences want the original captain steering the ship.

What Happens Next

The reality is that Disney wants box office gold, and Depp’s return might be the clearest route to it. Still, the studio hasn’t officially confirmed anything, leaving the timeline for an announcement uncertain. Gizmodo’s opposition may make headlines now, but if Disney listens to its audience, Jack Sparrow could be setting sail once more—regardless of who’s trying to anchor him ashore.