Johnny Depp could just be sailing onto the big screen once again as Captain Jack Sparrow.The actor, who has had fans and the internet rooting for his return as the famed pirate in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, may finally be on his way back. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed that discussions are underway with the actor regarding a possible return in the long-awaited sixth instalment.
Jerry Bruckheimer on Johnny Depp’s return as Jack Sparrow
Speaking to Deadline at D23, Bruckheimer said, “We’re talking with Johnny (Depp), we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done.”
‘Pirates 6’ to shift focus from Johnny Depp to Margot Robbie ?
While Bruckheimer has confirmed discussions with Depp, sources familiar with the project told Variety that Pirates 6 may not simply continue as another Jack Sparrow-led adventure. According to the latest update, the new film could instead place Margot Robbie’s character at the centre of the story, with Depp’s Sparrow potentially appearing in a supporting role.
Jerry Bruckheimer teases Johnny Depp’s return
Bruckheimer has previously expressed his desire to see Depp return as the iconic character. Earlier this year, when asked whether the franchise could pass the torch to a new lead, the producer said, “If it’s up to me, he (Johnny Depp) will be in it.”Depp has also previously teased a possible return while confirming that he has kept the door open to a potential return. In July 2023, a source told People that “anything is possible” regarding the casting update.In August 2025, Bruckheimer told Entertainment Weekly that he had spoken with Depp about reprising the role and said he believed the actor “would do it.” At the time, he also shared that the decision to get the actor on board would ultimately depend on the screenplay.
‘Pirates 6’ in development for years
The next ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film has been in discussion for several years. ‘The Last of Us’ co-creator Craig Mazin and veteran ‘Pirates’ screenwriter Ted Elliott have previously been attached to work on a screenplay. Mazin had earlier teased the project, saying, “We came up with this really cool story.”
‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ billion-dollar box office success
The Pirates of the Caribbean series remains one of Disney’s most successful live-action franchises, having generated approximately USD 4.5 billion worldwide across its five films. The most recent instalment, 2017’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’, grossed approximately USD 795.9 million worldwide. The film ended with a post-credits sequence featuring the return of Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner and Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann, while also teasing the possibility of Davy Jones’ return and a further expansion into the Pirates universe.
