Johnny Depp Could Reprise Captain Jack Sparrow Role in New Pirates of the Caribbean Film

Washington, August 17, 2026; Johnny Depp could be heading back to the high seas as Captain Jack Sparrow, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirming that discussions are underway over the actor’s possible involvement in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Speaking about the long-discussed sixth chapter of the blockbuster franchise, Bruckheimer said the team is developing the screenplay and remains in talks with Depp about a return.

The proposed film is expected to take a different approach to the franchise, with Margot Robbie reportedly attached to a central role. Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow is expected to appear as a supporting character rather than lead the story.

Depp introduced the eccentric pirate to audiences in 2003 with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The character quickly became one of the actor’s most recognisable screen performances and a defining figure of the franchise.

He subsequently reprised the role in four sequels — Dead Man’s Chest, At World’s End, On Stranger Tides and Dead Men Tell No Tales. Together, the five films have generated more than USD 4.5 billion globally.

A sixth Pirates film has remained in development for several years, but Depp’s involvement has been uncertain following a major dispute between the actor and Disney and the wider upheaval surrounding his Hollywood career.

The possibility of his return therefore represents a notable shift from Depp’s previous public position. During earlier discussions about the franchise, the actor had indicated that he had moved on from the character and expressed strong reservations about working with Disney again.

Depp’s career underwent a significant change after he was no longer part of the Pirates franchise. His highly publicised legal battle with actress Amber Heard also drew worldwide attention. The 2022 defamation case resulted in a jury finding Heard liable for defamation in relation to statements in a 2018 newspaper opinion piece, while Depp was also found liable on one counterclaim.

The two later settled the case, with Depp receiving USD 1 million under the settlement.

Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Depp has continued taking on film projects. He is set to portray Ebenezer Scrooge in the upcoming movie Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, scheduled to reach cinemas on November 13.

A potential return as Jack Sparrow would consequently carry considerable significance for both Depp and the Pirates franchise. The character remains closely associated with the actor, having helped turn the original 2003 film into a global hit and become one of the most recognisable pirate characters in modern cinema.

For now, however, Depp’s comeback remains under discussion, with the screenplay and negotiations still in progress. Fans may have to wait for further confirmation before Captain Jack Sparrow officially returns to the screen.