Johnny Depp Says a Strong Finale Could Bring Him Back as Jack Sparrow

Johnny Depp says he is open to playing Captain Jack Sparrow again, but wants any return to help bring the Pirates of the Caribbean series to a satisfying close. He discussed the possibility in an interview during the promotional tour for his upcoming film Ebenezer, without confirming that he would join a sixth installment.

Depp said he would work with producer Jerry Bruckheimer on any project, citing their close friendship and his trust in Bruckheimer. The actor played Sparrow in five films released between 2003 and 2017.

Bruckheimer has said he is in discussions with Depp and that work on a screenplay is continuing. Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the 2017 film, is working on the script. Bruckheimer has praised its third act, while saying earlier parts still need work.

A separate Pirates project, previously developed around Margot Robbie, has also been discussed. Robbie said in 2022 that Disney had not wanted to pursue the female-led story she and her team had been developing. Bruckheimer has said he hopes both projects can be made.

The franchise’s future has remained uncertain since Depp’s legal battles and his departure from the Fantastic Beasts series. He is now set to appear in Ebenezer and a 2028 thriller, Day Drinker. The five Pirates films led by Depp have earned a combined $4.5 billion worldwide.