Is Jack Sparrow Back? Depp Swore Never Again… Until Now
A franchise reboot could bring the captain home again.
Johnny Depp is in talks to return as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean reboot — news that has Disney fans and Hollywood buzzing.
As someone who was utterly obsessed with these films growing up (and who still thinks the first three are remarkably good for something based on a Disneyland ride), I can’t help but feel curious. After years of saying he’d never come back, could Depp really hoist the sails again? Let’s look at what’s changed.
From Breakup to Possible Reunion
In 2018, Disney cut ties with Depp after the fallout from Amber Heard’s op-ed. During the 2022 trial, he swore he wouldn’t return "for $300 million and a million alpacas."
Now, producer Jerry Bruckheimer told EW in an interview that Depp is open to it — if the script delivers. The new film, written by Jeff Nathanson with earlier work from Craig Mazin and Ted Elliot, is "close" to finished and reportedly has "an amazing third act."
Depp Since the Black Pearl
Depp last played Sparrow in 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales. Since then, he’s shifted to smaller films like Minamata and City of Lies, and directed Modi, which premiered at San Sebastian but still lacks U.S. distribution. After years of navigating controversy, this potential return marks one of Hollywood’s more surprising comebacks.
For me, seeing Depp back on screen is a welcome thought. He’s a talented actor who hasn’t lost his aura with age. But still… was a reboot really the only way to bring him back?
