Johnny Depp could be set to return as Captain Jack Sparrow in a sixth ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirming that discussions with the actor are underway. The long-gestating sequel is currently being developed, although no deal has been finalised and the project has yet to receive an official release date. 

Bruckheimer's latest comments have revived speculation about Depp's future in the franchise after years of uncertainty surrounding his possible comeback. Speaking to Deadline at D23, the producer said, "We're talking with Johnny, we're working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done," signalling that the actor's return is now being actively discussed.

What role could Johnny Depp play in Pirates 6?

While Depp is reportedly in talks to return as Jack Sparrow, the sixth film may not centre on his character. According to Page Six, the story is expected to put a new protagonist played by Margot Robbie at the forefront, with Depp potentially appearing in a supporting capacity.

That would represent a significant change for the franchise, in which Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow has traditionally been the central figure. The actor played the eccentric pirate in all five previous films, beginning with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ in 2003.

The original film, directed by Gore Verbinski, also featured Orlando Bloom as Will Turner and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann. Depp subsequently returned for ‘Dead Man's Chest’ in 2006, ‘At World's End’ in 2007, ‘On Stranger Tides’ in 2011 and ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ in 2017.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ 6 has been in development for years

Plans for another ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie have gone through several changes since the release of the fifth instalment. Different screenwriters and versions of the project have been considered, with the current development continuing under Bruckheimer.

The producer has previously indicated that the sixth film would combine familiar faces with new characters. Earlier reports also linked Margot Robbie to a separate female-led Pirates project, although the franchise's plans have evolved over time.

For now, Bruckheimer's confirmation establishes that a screenplay is being worked on and that discussions with Depp are taking place, but it does not amount to a confirmed casting announcement.

Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow legacy

Depp's association with Jack Sparrow remains one of the defining elements of his film career. The five ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films have collectively generated more than $4.5 billion worldwide, making the franchise one of Disney's major global film properties.

Two of the sequels, ‘Dead Man's Chest’ and ‘On Stranger Tides’, individually crossed the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office. The character also earned Depp an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the first film.

The series has built its popularity around a combination of pirate mythology, fantasy and adventure, following Sparrow and other characters through battles, supernatural threats, treasure hunts and rivalries on the high seas.

Depp previously ruled out a Pirates return

The possibility of Depp returning is notable because the actor had previously made clear that he did not intend to work with Disney on another ‘Pirates’ film following his departure from the franchise.

During his 2022 defamation trial against his former wife Amber Heard, Depp said he would not return even if offered "USD 300 million and a million alpacas", referring to his strained relationship with the studio.

Depp's exit from the franchise came amid a turbulent period in his career. Disney dropped him from the series in 2018, following allegations of domestic abuse, which Depp denied. His legal battle with Heard later resulted in a US jury finding Heard liable for defamation and awarding Depp damages, while Heard also won on one of her counterclaims. The former couple subsequently settled the case, with Depp receiving a $1 million payment.

Depp has since spoken about feeling excluded from Hollywood and described the period as a boycott. However, his position appeared to soften in later years, with reports indicating that he could consider returning to the ‘Pirates’ franchise if the project and script were right. Bruckheimer also said in 2025 that Depp's involvement would depend on his response to the material.

What's next for Johnny Depp?

A potential ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ return would coincide with Depp's broader return to major studio filmmaking. He is set to play Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’, directed by Ti West and scheduled for release on Nov. 13, 2026.

The actor has also continued working on other film projects, including ‘Day Drinker’, which reunites him with his former ‘Pirates’ co-star Penélope Cruz.

(With PTI inputs)