Captain Jack’s Compass Points Home: Johnny Depp Could Rejoin ‘Pirates’ if the Script Sets Sail

Franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer reveals ongoing talks with Johnny Depp and advances on a script for the long-teased sixth installment, which may even bring back the rum-loving pirate—if “what’s on the page” impresses him.

A wave of excitement is returning to Pirates of the Caribbean fans. Veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed in a recent interview that he’s spoken with Johnny Depp about reprising his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a sixth installment—if the script meets Depp’s approval. “If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it. It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know,” Bruckheimer said, adding that the screenplay is nearing completion.

Bruckheimer has emphasized that the next chapter is envisioned as a reboot of the franchise—but he’s hopeful Depp could still make an appearance. “It’s a reboot, but if it was up to me, [Johnny] would be in it,” he said, praising Depp’s creative imprint on Jack Sparrow—crafted not from the page, but through his unique blend of Keith Richards and Pepé Le Pew inspirations.

The franchise’s evolution has been winding. In 2020, Disney started development on both a reboot and a female-led spinoff, potentially starring Margot Robbie with Christina Hodson writing. Robbie later suggested in 2022 that her project wasn’t moving forward—but Bruckheimer later said the studio still intends to make it alongside the reboot.

Meanwhile, the reboot’s script is reportedly being shaped by Jeff Nathanson—who scripted the 2017 entry Dead Men Tell No Tales. Bruckheimer said Nathanson “has cracked it,” especially on a standout third act, though the first two acts still need polish.

Another script, penned earlier by Craig Mazin (of The Last of Us) and Ted Elliott, had previously been approved by Disney. Mazin himself described it as “so weird” that he didn’t think it would be accepted—yet it was. That version remains one of the creative options, though development slowed due to the 2023 Writers Guild strike.

From a broader vantage, the fifth Pirates film, Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), concluded an era that grossed billions. Depp headlined all five films, with two—Dead Man’s Chest (2006) and On Stranger Tides (2011)—surpassing $1 billion and the franchise totaling approximately $4.5 billion worldwide. But Depp’s legal controversies, including his 2022 defamation trial with Amber Heard, led to Disney severing ties and Depp stating he would never return—even for “$300 million and a million alpacas.”

Despite that tension, Depp’s recent career resurgence—with projects like Day Drinker—has renewed speculation about his comeback. Bruckheimer’s statements suggest Disney and Depp may now be on a path toward reconciliation, provided the script passes muster.

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