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Depp says he would return as Jack Sparrow to give Pirates a better ending
Developing story first seen 1 day ago
Johnny Depp has said he would consider returning as Captain Jack Sparrow for a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film if it could give the franchise a better ending. He has not confirmed he will take part, but said he would work with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, citing their friendship and trust.
Bruckheimer has discussed another film with Depp, though the screenplay is still being worked on and Depp’s return depends on the role. Depp starred in five films from 2003 to 2017; the franchise has earned $4.5 billion worldwide, and two films each surpassed $1 billion. His future in the series has been uncertain since his legal battles, while he is preparing to return to studio films with Ebenezer.
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In short
- Depp would consider returning as Jack Sparrow.
- He wants the franchise to end on a better note.
- A sixth film’s screenplay is still in progress.
How this story developed
- 22 hours ago Depp said he would return only if the film could give the franchise a better ending, with his involvement still unconfirmed as the screenplay remains in development.
- 22 hours ago Depp clarified that his main reason for considering a return would be to send the franchise off on a better note, while producer Jerry Bruckheimer continued work on a screenplay.
- 1 day ago Johnny Depp said he might reprise Jack Sparrow in a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film if it could give the series a better ending, though he has not confirmed he will return.
- IGN Johnny Depp Is Open to Playing Jack Sparrow Again in a New Pirates of the Caribbean Movie
- Deadline Johnny Depp Open To Reprising ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Role To “Send Them Off On A Better Note”
- Collider Johnny Depp Officially Confirms 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Return Chances
- Variety Depp says he would return as Jack Sparrow to give Pirates a better ending
- The Hollywood Reporter Johnny Depp on His One Condition to Return as Jack Sparrow for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’
Full account
Johnny Depp has said he would consider returning as Captain Jack Sparrow if a new Pirates of the Caribbean film could provide a fitting conclusion to the series. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, he said his main interest would be to “send them off on a better note”. He did not confirm that he would take part in a sixth film.
Depp also expressed confidence in producer Jerry Bruckheimer, saying he would work with him again and that they had a close friendship. Bruckheimer has discussed the prospect of Depp returning in several interviews, but a script is still being developed. At D23, he told Deadline that he and Depp were talking while work continued on the screenplay.
Depp played Sparrow in five films released between 2003 and 2017. The franchise has earned about $4.5 billion worldwide, according to Source 1. Plans for a sixth instalment have been in development for years, alongside discussion of a separate film centred on Margot Robbie. Source 1 recounts earlier reports that Disney lost interest in Robbie’s proposed project; Source 2 says that project was being written by Christina Hodson.
The reports frame the news somewhat differently. Source 1 places Depp’s comments within the longer history of the proposed sixth film, including Bruckheimer’s earlier remarks about screenwriter Jeff Nathanson and the script’s third act. Source 2 focuses on Depp’s willingness to work with Bruckheimer and the producer’s latest update, while also listing the five films in which Depp appeared. Both reports make clear that a return remains conditional and no casting decision has been announced.
Where outlets differ
From the full account, which is AI-written from the sources:
Source 1 says Bruckheimer spoke with Depp and previously described the screenplay as close, with a strong third act needing further work. Source 2 cites his D23 comment that they are talking and working on a screenplay, without describing its progress in the same detail.
Source 1 says Disney was not interested in Robbie’s more female-led film, based on Robbie’s 2022 remarks. Source 2 instead says the Robbie-centred project was being written by Christina Hodson, without mentioning Disney’s reported lack of interest.
Source 1 emphasises the franchise’s box-office performance, Depp’s legal troubles and Hollywood comeback, and the prolonged development history. Source 2 concentrates on the interview and filmography.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A final appearance could give Jack Sparrow and the long-running series a more satisfying send-off, especially for viewers who feel the earlier films left the character’s story unfinished. Depp’s trust in producer Jerry Bruckheimer may also make a return workable, while his role in the franchise’s success gives him a strong connection to its legacy.
The case against
The series could make a fresh start with new characters and avoid relying on a familiar star to carry its next chapter. A sixth film is still in development, and bringing Depp back amid uncertainty about his involvement could complicate production or distract from the story; the franchise may be better served by ending without another sequel.
Explained simply
The Pirates of the Caribbean films are a Disney adventure series centred on Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp. Depp appeared in five films released between 2003 and 2017, and the series has earned about $4.5 billion worldwide.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has discussed another film with Depp, but its screenplay is still being developed and Depp has not confirmed he will take part. His possible return has remained uncertain since his legal battles, while he prepares to return to studio films with Ebenezer.
Coverage · 5 sources
- VarietyDepp says he would return as Jack Sparrow to give Pirates a better ending
- IGNJohnny Depp Is Open to Playing Jack Sparrow Again in a New Pirates of the Caribbean Movie
- DeadlineJohnny Depp Open To Reprising ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Role To “Send Them Off On A Better Note”
- ColliderJohnny Depp Officially Confirms 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Return Chances
- The Hollywood ReporterJohnny Depp on His One Condition to Return as Jack Sparrow for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Variety as “Johnny Depp Says He’d Return as Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ for Only One Reason: ‘I Want to Send Them Off on a Better Note’”.