Johnny Depp could return as Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6'

Johnny Depp could be returning to one of his most famous roles, with Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirming that discussions are underway for the actor to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Speaking with Deadline at Disney’s annual D23 expo, Bruckheimer revealed that the franchise is working on a screenplay and is currently talking with Depp about a potential return.

“We’re talking to Johnny. We’re working on a screenplay. Hopefully we can get this done,” Bruckheimer said.

If a deal is reached, Depp would return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise for a sixth film. The actor first played Jack Sparrow in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a role that became one of his career-defining performances and earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Depp subsequently appeared in four sequels, with the most recent, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, released in 2017.

Development on Pirates of the Caribbean 6 has continued for years, with several writers attached at different stages. Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick were initially hired to develop a sequel before Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott became involved. In 2025, Bruckheimer also confirmed that Margot Robbie had been considered for a separate version of the franchise.

Depp’s potential return comes as the actor continues rebuilding his Hollywood career following his highly publicised legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. Since the 2022 defamation trial, Depp has taken on several new film projects, including Paramount’s upcoming Ebenezer and Lionsgate’s 2027 thriller Day Drinker.

Representatives for Depp, Disney and Bruckheimer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.