AceShowbiz - Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer has stated that Johnny Depp could reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow for the upcoming film, provided it is his decision to make. This comment comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding Depp’s involvement in the franchise.

Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow was a pivotal factor in the original series’ popularity. The actor faced allegations of domestic violence made by Amber Heard and ensuing legal battles. The controversy led Disney to distance itself from Depp and his character.

Rumors circulated about a potential reboot or spin-offs within the Pirates of the Caribbean universe, with rising stars like Austin Butler, Ayo Edebiri, and Margot Robbie reportedly considered for leading roles in the sixth installment or related projects. Yet, until now, there was no definitive confirmation on Depp’s involvement.

During an interview at the Producers Guild Awards, as reported by SFFGazette.com, Bruckheimer addressed speculation that the next Pirates of the Caribbean film would move on without Depp and introduce a new protagonist. He said, "If it’s up to me, Johnny will be in it."

Recent reports indicate that the screenplay for the next film might be penned by Krysty Wilson-Cairns, known for her work on 1917. The story would reportedly explore the adventures of Jack Sparrow’s son and possibly involve a mysterious character played by Margot Robbie.

Disney’s aim with the upcoming installment is likely to avoid the pitfalls of last year’s TRON: Ares, which, despite honoring its predecessor’s legacy, failed at the box office after introducing new leads. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, inspired by one of Disneyland’s most beloved attractions, has long been considered one of Disney’s live-action successes.

Since the original 2003 release of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the franchise has followed Captain Jack Sparrow’s exploits alongside characters such as Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), and Joshamee Gibbs (Kevin McNally).

The first film grossed $654 million globally, prompting Disney to continue the saga with sequels including 2006’s Dead Man’s Chest and 2007’s At World’s End. The series further expanded with 2011’s On Stranger Tides and the 2017 entry, Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Despite mixed reviews for the sequels, the franchise has amassed over $4.5 billion worldwide, making it one of Disney’s most lucrative series. This financial success explains the studio’s interest in developing another chapter.