Captain Jack Sparrow may soon be setting sail once more. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has indicated that Johnny Depp is in discussions to reprise his iconic role in the long-awaited sixth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. Bruckheimer stated that a screenplay is being developed for the project.
Speaking to Deadline at D23 2026, Bruckheimer shared, "We’re talking with Johnny [Depp], we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done." While details remain sparse, the producer's comments offer a glimmer of hope for fans eager to see Depp's return to the franchise.
Reports also suggest that Depp's Jack Sparrow might not be the central figure in the upcoming film. Instead, he could take on a supporting role alongside Margot Robbie, who was announced as the lead for a separate Pirates project in 2020. The development of a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film has faced significant turbulence since Robbie's initial announcement, with reports of cancellations and subsequent reaffirmations.
The franchise's last outing, "Dead Men Tell No Tales," released in 2017, grossed over $795 million worldwide. Following allegations against Depp and a perceived creative plateau for the series, Disney had largely put the franchise on hold. Bruckheimer's latest statement, however, suggests a potential revival for the lucrative series, with Depp's possible return and Robbie's rumored leading role aiming to steer the franchise back to prominence.