Actor Johnny Depp is in discussions to return to his role as Captain Jack Sparrow for the upcoming sixth film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed the potential comeback during an appearance at a recent Disney event, confirming that creative talks with the actor are taking place.
Speaking to Deadline on Sunday, August 16, 2026, the 82-year-old producer stated that the film team is actively speaking with Depp while developing a new screenplay, expressing hope that they will be able to complete the script.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the sixth installment of the series will reportedly focus on a new lead character portrayed by Australian actress Margot Robbie. Production executives have nevertheless expressed a strong desire for Depp to rejoin the cast as Jack Sparrow.
Jack Sparrow and Franchise Box Office History
Should his return materialize, the upcoming feature will mark the first Pirates of the Caribbean entry since Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales was released in movie theaters in 2017.
Depp first starred as the eccentric pirate captain in 2003 with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, appearing alongside co-stars Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and Geoffrey Rush. The inaugural film grossed more than $654 million at the global box office.
Across its five feature releases, the Walt Disney Studios fantasy saga has earned over $4.5 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises in cinematic history. The property originally began as a movie adaptation of Disney's classic theme park ride before growing into a major global entertainment brand.
Original Cast Responses to New Installment
The announcement of discussions with Depp follows contrasting statements from his former co-stars about returning to the series. On September 26, 2025, Keira Knightley addressed the prospect of returning to the franchise, stating that her piracy days were over.
By contrast, Orlando Bloom voiced support for a full cast reunion on August 21, 2025, stating that he wanted the entire original cast of Pirates of the Caribbean to return for the new film.
Depp's original performance as Captain Jack Sparrow earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, transforming the character into a signature pop culture icon. Production on the sixth film remains centered on completing the script before casting and filming schedules can be finalized.
