Johnny Depp could return as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6 , with producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirming that discussions are underway with the actor. The sixth installment of Disney’s hit franchise is currently in development, although details about its story and cast remain under wraps.
Bruckheimer confirmed the talks while speaking to Deadline at D23. “We’re talking with Johnny (Depp), we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done,” he said.
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The comments offer the latest indication that Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow could once again appear on the big screen. Depp last played the iconic pirate in 2017’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales .
Will Johnny Depp Return as Captain Jack Sparrow?
While Bruckheimer’s comments confirm discussions with Depp, they do not guarantee that the actor will officially return. Sources cited by Variety have suggested that Pirates of the Caribbean 6 could take the franchise in a new direction, with Margot Robbie’s character potentially taking a central role.
If that happens, Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow could appear in a supporting role rather than lead the film.
Bruckheimer has previously made clear that he would like to see Depp return. Earlier this year, when asked about passing the franchise to a new lead, he said, “If it’s up to me, he (Johnny Depp) will be in it.”
Depp has also previously left the door open to a possible return. In 2023, a source told People that “anything is possible” when it comes to future casting developments.
What Is Margot Robbie’s Role in Pirates 6?
Margot Robbie has long been linked to a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. While the status of her project has changed over the years, Bruckheimer said last year that she was still involved with Pirates 6 in some capacity.
The producer has also hinted that fan theories about Robbie’s character could be close to the truth. When asked by Entertainment Tonight whether speculation about Robbie and Captain Jack Sparrow’s son was accurate, Bruckheimer said, “They’re close on part of it.”
He added that the team had spoken with Robbie and that they “love Margot.”
This has fueled speculation that Pirates 6 could introduce a new lead while bringing back familiar characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Who Is Writing Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
The next Pirates of the Caribbean movie has been in development for several years. The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin and veteran Pirates screenwriter Ted Elliott were previously involved in developing the screenplay.
Mazin had earlier teased the project, saying, “We came up with this really cool story.”
Bruckheimer later explained that the project had gone through changes, with multiple scripts being considered before the team moved forward with one version. Elliott has remained involved, with another writer brought in to help develop the screenplay.
The final story will likely play an important role in determining whether Depp ultimately returns as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Could Orlando Bloom Return?
Another familiar face has also expressed interest in returning. Orlando Bloom, who played Will Turner in the original Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, recently suggested that there could be a possibility of bringing the original cast back together.
Speaking to Deadline , Bloom said, “Maybe there’s a world where we get the band back together.”
The actor also pointed to the current audience interest in nostalgia as a possible reason for bringing back familiar characters.
However, Keira Knightley does not appear interested in returning as Elizabeth Swann. The actress told People that her “pirating days are over” after spending many years with the franchise.
Will Gore Verbinski Return?
Gore Verbinski, who directed the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, has also ruled out a return for now.
Speaking to ScreenRant , Verbinski said he wished the filmmakers well but indicated that he had moved on after directing the original trilogy.
This means that Pirates 6 is likely to represent a new creative chapter for the franchise, even if some of its most recognizable characters return.
Pirates of the Caribbean 6: What We Know So Far
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has earned around $4.5 billion worldwide across its five movies, making it one of Disney’s biggest live-action film series.
The most recent movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales , was released in 2017 and earned around $795.9 million worldwide.
The film's post-credits scene featured the return of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann and hinted at the possible return of Davy Jones, leaving several possibilities open for a future sequel.
For now, there is no confirmed release date for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 . Johnny Depp’s return as Captain Jack Sparrow also remains unconfirmed, although Bruckheimer’s latest comments suggest that discussions are active.
If Depp does return, the sixth film could combine the nostalgia of Captain Jack Sparrow with a new storyline centered on Margot Robbie’s character, potentially giving the long-running franchise a new direction while reconnecting it with its most popular character.
