For years, fans have wondered whether Johnny Depp would ever slip back into Captain Jack Sparrow's boots. The actor, who defined the role across five blockbuster films, has now given the clearest hint yet that a return isn't off the table—provided the stars align.
In a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight while promoting his new project Ebenezer, Depp opened up about his willingness to reunite with longtime franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The actor made it clear that his decision hinges on the story's direction, not on any lingering grudges.
"If things are exactly where they need to be with regard to how they are going to top off the 'Pirates' franchise… the only involvement I really want to have, truly, is just to send them off on a better note," Depp said. "I will go to work with [Jerry] Bruckheimer tomorrow for anything. Doesn't matter… if it's Jerry, I trust him. We have a deep friendship."
Depp first brought Captain Jack to life in 2003's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He reprised the role in Dead Man's Chest, At World's End, On Stranger Tides, and Dead Men Tell No Tales, collectively amassing over $4.5 billion at the global box office.
What Would It Take for Depp to Return?
Bruckheimer has repeatedly expressed his desire to bring Depp back, telling Entertainment Weekly in 2025 that the decision ultimately rests on the screenplay. "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. "We are still working on a screenplay. We want to make it. We just got to get the right screenplay. We haven't quite gotten there yet, but we're close."
The sixth installment has been in development for years, with Jeff Nathanson—who penned Dead Men Tell No Tales—currently working on the script. Bruckheimer has hinted that Nathanson has made significant headway, particularly on the film's conclusion.
Bruckheimer also praised Depp's creative contributions, noting that Captain Jack was never fully written on the page. "He created Captain Jack. That was not on the page, that was him doing a little Pepé Le Pew and Keith Richards. That was his interpretation of Jack Sparrow," he said.
While Disney hasn't officially confirmed Depp's return or announced a release date for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, the franchise's future remains a hot topic. All five previous films are currently streaming on Disney+.
For more on Depp's recent work, check out his 2009 crime drama hitting Netflix. And if you're a fan of classic adventure reboots, you might also enjoy Kevin Costner's Robin Hood returning to streaming.
