Johnny Depp May Return To His Most Popular Role Despite Vowing Never To
Batten down your hatches, Pirates fans: Johnny Depp may be returning as Captain Jack Sparrow!
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A new report indicates it just might be a pirate’s life for Johnny Depp after all. Inside the Magic is citing a report that says Disney and Depp may be attempting to reconcile, in order to have him return as Captain Jack Sparrow for another installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. It’s a scenario thought impossible just a few months ago, as Depp vowed during his defamation trial never to return to the role, after the studio cut ties with him over accusations of spousal abuse.
According to the report, Disney is ready to offer Johnny Depp $300 million to return to the role for at least one theatrical film (a script has already been completed), as well as a Disney+ series that would serve as a prequel to the films. Even though Depp’s representatives have said he has no interest in returning, negotiations are reportedly still ongoing.
Depp made five Pirates movies for Disney, beginning with 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl, and the franchise has earned over $4.5 billion at the box office worldwide.
Disney’s change of heart could be due to the swift change in public opinion about Depp himself. Not only did his reputation get restored by the verdict in the Amber Heard defamation case, it sparked a new interest in Jack Sparrow, with costumes of the wisecracking pirate selling out nationwide as the popular choice for men this Halloween.
On June 1, a jury awarded Johnny Depp over $10 million in damages after he sued his ex Amber Heard for defamation. Heard is reportedly living quietly in Spain, but Depp has remained in the public eye, performing his music and plotting his return to acting. Nothing would signal his triumphant return to Hollywood better than to reprise his role as Captain Jack for Disney, and while his return is still in the realm of rumor, it is certainly would make headlines worldwide if he did.
The news comes just as Giant Freaking Robot reported exclusively that Tim Burton is keen on bringing back Depp to play Ichabod Crane in a Sleepy Hollow sequel.
Depp’s issues with Disney run far deeper than just the Amber Heard trial. During the making of and press tour for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Disney executives were reportedly fed up with Johnny Depp’s alcohol use and erratic behavior both on the set and off. It remains to be seen if this issue remains a sticking point in Depp returning to the studio.
Previously, Disney has made it clear they weren’t ready to give up on the Pirates franchise, with or without Depp. Just over a month ago, Giant Freakin Robot reported that Disney was attempting to make an animated Pirates series for Disney+, which could be made with or without Depp’s involvement.
It’s not clear how Johnny Depp’s possible return to the franchise would effect the planned Margot Robbie Pirates film. Our recent exclusive report indicated Depp could possibly cameo in the Robbie film, which could still be made as a spinoff to the series.
