The question of Johnny Depp's return as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise continues to sail in uncertain waters. Every now and then, fans get to hear a speculation, an update or an interview hinting about his possible show in future films.
Recently, a fresh wave of rumours has emerged suggesting the actor will return, but not as the lead. Instead, he could be appearing in a supporting role. If true, this would mark Depp's first appearance in the role since 2017's Dead Men Tell No Tales.
While Disney has made no official announcement, online chatter has spiked following a claim from industry insider @MyTimeToShineHello, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), 'Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow is in the script for the next Pirates of the Caribbean film in a supporting role.'
What Fans Are Saying
It's far from the first time such a claim has surfaced. Over the past few years, speculation around Depp's involvement has come and gone, sometimes reportedly dead in the water, other times supposedly full steam ahead.
But the idea of Depp returning, even in a limited role, has drawn mixed reactions from long-time fans.
'He needs to either be the lead again or the story should centre around hunting him down and set up his return at the end,' wrote one fan on social media. 'There's no Pirates movie without Johnny. I'll take the win,' added another.
Some were more measured in their hopes. 'Fine with a supporting role as long as he's in it and it's a good script. The franchise needs a fresh lead to carry the future of the films.' Another fan pointed out, 'Jack Sparrow wasn't the lead in the first Pirates film. That was Will and Elizabeth. He became more central in the sequels, but he was never the entire story.'
Still, others are less convinced that a minor role would do the character justice. 'How can you relegate him to a supporting role? This guy is the franchise,' one comment read.
The State of the Franchise
Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is still in the development limbo, according to both Disney and long-time producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Speaking earlier this year, Bruckheimer confirmed that the screenplay is being written and hinted at the return of some original cast members.
While nothing is officially confirmed, these clues have kept the rumour mill going. The studio has remained quiet on whether the next instalment will be a continuation of the previous story or a full reboot. What is known is that Jerry Bruckheimer is still at the helm, which gives some continuity to the franchise's future direction.
There's also been chatter about two separate projects: one possibly featuring Margot Robbie and another that would carry on the existing storyline.
What's Next?
Despite no official confirmation, Orlando Bloom, who played Will Turner in the original trilogy, has said he'd be open to returning. 'I, personally, think it would be great to get the band back together,' Bloom said in a past interview. 'But there are always different ideas, so we'll see where it lands.'
Whether or not Depp's Jack Sparrow will be part of those plans remains unknown. For now, all signs point to a cautious reintroduction of familiar characters, possibly to support a new generation of pirates.
What is clear is that Pirates of the Caribbean is at a crossroads. With Disney still working out the direction of its next instalment, the inclusion of legacy characters like Jack Sparrow may be one way to bridge old and new audiences. With so much time having passed since the last film and years of development setbacks, fans are beginning to lose patience.
