Overview
- Producer Jerry Bruckheimer said he is “talking with Johnny” Depp and that the team is working on a screenplay following his D23 appearance on Sunday.
- Bruckheimer’s comment is the clearest sign of active negotiations but no deal has been announced and representatives for Depp, Bruckheimer and Disney did not comment to reporters.
- Multiple outlets report the planned film would elevate a Margot Robbie-led protagonist while making Captain Jack Sparrow a smaller, supporting character rather than the central lead.
- Disney’s decision follows long development churn on a sixth film and a commercial motive to refresh the series after the 2017 entry earned about $795.9 million and the franchise’s five films have grossed roughly $4.5 billion worldwide.
- If talks succeed the next steps are finishing the script, finalizing casting, naming a director and setting a release date; Depp’s return would come as he rebuilds his studio profile with other projects such as Ebenezer due in November 2026.