Johnny Depp has said he is open to returning as Captain Jack Sparrow in a new Pirates of the Caribbean film, as long as it gives the franchise the ending he feels it deserves. The actor spoke to Entertainment Tonight during the press tour for his holiday film, Ebenezer.
He has not confirmed that he has signed on, but he made clear that his motivation would be to help the series finish strongly and "send them off on a better note." Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has been equally positive about the idea.
In 2025, he told Entertainment Weekly that he had spoken to Depp and felt good about the chances, provided the actor liked how the role was written. He has described the project as a reboot but said Depp would be part of it if it were up to him, since Depp created the character.
At D23 in August 2026, the producer said talks with Depp were ongoing and that the screenplay was still in development. Geoffrey Rush has also discussed a possible return as Barbossa, though Disney has not announced a cast or a release date for the next film.
Depp played Jack Sparrow in all five films, from The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003 to Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017. Disney moved on from him in 2018, and during his 2022 defamation trial, he testified that he would not go back to the role for any amount of money.
His latest comments mark a clear shift in tone, and fans of the swashbuckling series will be watching to see whether the talks turn into a deal. The potential return of the iconic pirate has sparked significant excitement among global audiences.
For years, the character of Jack Sparrow remained synonymous with Depp's career, and his departure left a void that many fans felt could never be filled. Industry analysts suggest that Disney is keen to revitalize the franchise, which has been dormant for several years.
Bringing back the original star could be the key to reclaiming the box office success the series once enjoyed. While the legal battles of the past created a rift between the studio and the actor, the current climate appears to be one of reconciliation.
Both parties seem to recognize the mutual benefit of a final, well-crafted chapter. As the script continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that the narrative honors the legacy of the previous films while introducing fresh elements to captivate a new generation of viewers.