Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer has indicated that discussions are underway with Johnny Depp about the actor reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Bruckheimer confirmed these conversations are happening as Disney continues to develop plans for a sixth film in the long-running franchise. "We're talking with Johnny [Depp]," Bruckheimer stated in a recent interview. "We’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done."
The producer has previously expressed interest in Depp's return, even as Disney explored alternative directions for the series. Depp's past legal entanglements had led to a cooling of relations with the studio. Simultaneously, plans had been developing to center a new film around Margot Robbie. However, with Depp re-establishing his presence in Hollywood, his return as the iconic pirate seems more probable, potentially in a supporting capacity.
Depp is also slated to appear in "Ebeneezer," a new adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," later this year. Last year, Bruckheimer had mentioned that some original cast members would return for the next Pirates installment, while also promising a "new take" on the franchise. Depp has consistently shown affection for the Jack Sparrow character, which remains a fan favorite.
The Pirates of the Caribbean series began with "The Curse of the Black Pearl" in 2003. The most recent film, "Dead Men Tell No Tales," was released in 2017.