Johnny Depp to reportedly miss out on popular Disney reboot

Disney is set to reboot the 'Alice in Wonderland franchise' leaving Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter behind.

Disney is reportedly planning to reboot the live-action Alice in Wonderland franchise, eight years after Alice Through the Looking Glass hit theaters, marking Johnny Depp’s last appearance as the Mad Hatter.

According to insider Daniel Richtman, Disney has tapped Stargirl director Julia Hart to write and direct a Queen of Hearts origin story. This new installment will not be connected to Depp’s films and could be developed as either a Disney+ release or a theatrical feature.

This comes as Disney distances itself from the Tim Burton-directed Alice in Wonderland (2010) and its sequel, which featured Depp’s eccentric portrayal of the Mad Hatter. Despite grossing over $1 billion globally, the franchise has remained dormant since 2016.

While Disney moves forward without Depp in the Alice in Wonderland series, there are ongoing discussions about his return to another iconic role: Captain Jack Sparrow. Reports indicate Disney is working on a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film and may be open to bringing Depp back.

This potential return follows a tumultuous period for Depp, who faced significant public and professional challenges during his defamation lawsuit with ex-wife Amber Heard. Now, with fans rallying behind him, a comeback to major franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean appears more likely.

While the Queen of Hearts story signals a new direction for Alice in Wonderland, Disney’s decision to reboot without Depp suggests a clean slate for the series. However, fans of the actor can look forward to potential updates on his involvement in other blockbuster projects soon.