Disney
Johnny Depp will be starring in his first major studio film since 2018 later this year when he leads Ti West’s Ebenezer. His Hollywood comeback may just be getting started, though, as stalwart producer Jerry Bruckheimer says they’ve held talks with Depp about returning for a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film.
Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer — who was in attendance at D23 to be honored as a “Disney legend” — confirmed that active talks are underway with Johnny Depp about reprising his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a new Pirates of the Caribbean film.
Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed at D23 that Disney is in active talks with Johnny Depp to return as Captain Jack Sparrow in a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie
While reports of a new Pirates of the Caribbean — both with and without Depp — have been ongoing for years, Bruckheimer’s recent comments serve as the most concrete update yet.
“We’re talking with Johnny, we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done,” Bruckheimer told Deadline.
Jerry Bruckheimer reveals conversations have been had with Johnny Depp about returning as Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ | #D23 pic.twitter.com/52iJn7apD1
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
During his infamous defamation trial against his ex Amber Heard in 2022, Depp said he felt “betrayed” by Disney after pouring years of himself into creating the character.
Bruckheimer — who has been one of Depp’s most consistent public supporters — told Entertainment Weekly in 2025 that if Depp liked the script, he believed the actor would return. He also confirmed last year that two scripts had been developed simultaneously, including one with Margot Robbie attached.
Despite having released just five films, Pirates of the Caribbean stands as the 17th highest-grossing film franchise of all-time with $4.5 billion worldwide, ultimately making another entry in the series not a matter of if, but when.