Johnny Depp’s comeback as Jack Sparrow still on the table for Pirates 6, says producer

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirms plans for Johnny Depp to appear in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ 6 as Jack Sparrow

Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise received a major hint of hope for Johnny Depp’s return as Jack Sparrow in the upcoming sixth instalment, with producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealing that plans for the actor’s involvement are still underway. Speaking exclusively with at the Producers Guild Awards, Bruckheimer made it clear that if it were up to him, Depp would be back on the high seas.

“First of all, that’s not true. No, no, no. Johnny… if it’s up to me, he’ll be in it,” Bruckheimer said when asked about recent rumours suggesting the franchise might continue without its iconic captain. The veteran producer, who has overseen every Pirates film since the series began, emphasised his personal commitment to keeping Depp in the series, highlighting the influence he holds over the development of Pirates 6.

While speculation has circulated that the next film could focus on Jack Sparrow’s son, potentially passing the torch to a new character, Bruckheimer’s comments suggest Depp may still appear in a cameo or supporting role. This approach could provide a bridge between the original adventures and a new generation of pirates, giving fans one last glimpse of the character they grew to love.

Depp has previously expressed openness to returning, telling People in 2023 that “anything is possible” regarding a new Pirates sequel. Bruckheimer echoed this sentiment, noting his prior discussions with Depp about the role and stressing that the actor’s participation would depend on the script.

Beyond confirming Depp’s potential comeback, Bruckheimer also reflected on his career, describing the process of making films as “enormously complicated” and expressing awe at the final results. He praised Depp’s unconventional take on Jack Sparrow, which helped cement the character as one of cinema’s most enduring icons.

As Disney develops Pirates 6, the combination of Bruckheimer’s involvement and the possibility of Depp reprising his legendary role has reignited excitement among fans. A return could offer a satisfying conclusion to Jack Sparrow’s story while introducing fresh faces to carry the franchise forward, ensuring the high-seas adventures continue for years to come.