Overview
- Producer Jerry Bruckheimer said he spoke with Johnny Depp and that a screenplay is being developed after remarks made at Disney’s D23 event on August 16, 2026.
- Multiple outlets reporting industry sources say the sixth film is being shaped to put Margot Robbie’s character at the center while keeping Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow in a smaller, supporting role.
- No deals, director, release date or full casting have been announced and representatives for Depp, Bruckheimer and Disney did not comment when contacted.
- The move reflects Disney’s business calculus: the five Pirates films have grossed roughly $4.5 billion worldwide while the 2017 entry was the series’ weakest, prompting efforts to refresh the franchise.
- Depp is also rebuilding his mainstream profile with the Ti West film Ebenezer due in November 2026, and the Pirates project has a long development history with multiple writers still to be finalized, so the outcome remains uncertain.