Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have still not quite let go of the idea that Johnny Depp could return to the big screen as Captain Jack Sparrow, even if it seems less and less likely. However, even if he doesn’t saunter back onto the deck of a pirate ship again, it seems that Depp is still willing to bring out the character for the benefit of some of his biggest fans.
While in Spain for the San Sebastián Film Festival – where he was premiering his new directorial feature Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness – Depp took some time out to dress up as Captain Jack to visit a local hospital and make some children – and staff – very happy. During his visit, which was reported on by a local news outlet, Depp made the rounds of the children’s ward and mingled with doctors and nurses, all with the iconic swagger of his lovable rogue character.
While Depp has been mostly out of the spotlight since he and Amber Heard faced each other in court in 2022, he has recently returned to screens in the historical drama Jeanne Du Barry. Along with his work as director on Modi, Depp is quietly just doing his thing in Hollywood, and for now, he seems to be focusing on similar projects rather than concerning himself with a possible blockbuster return to Disney’s swashbuckling adventure franchise.
Pirates of the Caribbean Will Likely Continue Without Johnny Depp
Like every big IP, Pirates of the Caribbean will sail again, but exactly in what form is still up in the air. There has been plenty of talk about various iterations being in development, including both a sixth installment of the existing franchise, and a reboot that may or may not end up starring Margot Robbie in the lead role.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer gave his most recent update on the franchise in June while promoting Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley. Speaking to ComicBook, Bruckheimer said:
“We have a script that’s being written right now. Hopefully it’ll come in in a month or so, and it’ll be as good as I think it will be. So let’s hope that Disney likes it and they give us an opportunity to make it.”
While Disney still has to approve any script that has been handed to them, the idea that they would not want to roll out the Pirates of the Caribbean again, with or without Depp, seems almost unthinkable. That doesn’t mean that any future entry in the saga will set sail on calm waters. The fifth movie, Dead Men Tell No Tales/Salazar’s Revenge (depending on which country you watch it in), didn’t come close to matching its predecessors, which could mean that the franchise doesn’t have legs for another outing. Then, if Depp is left out of any new entry, this will instantly lead to a whole heap of online discourse from his supporters, who will no doubt launch a boycott campaign on social media.
While the world waits to discover the fate of the Pirates franchise, and Depp’s possible involvement, it seems that the actor is not about to give up his role away from the big screen, and will continue to show up for his young fans where they need him. For those who want to relive his on-screen antics, the Pirates of the Caribbean movies can be found streaming on Disney+.