Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer is keeping the door open for Johnny Depp to once again play Captain Jack Sparrow.
In related news, Gina Carano won her lawsuit against Disney and could be returning to Star Wars.
What did Jerry Bruckheimer say about Johnny Depp?
Speaking with EW.com, Bruckheimer revealed he’s spoken to Depp about returning to the billion-dollar franchise:
“If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it. It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know.”
A Reboot With a Familiar Face?
This next installment is officially a reboot of the franchise, but Bruckheimer previously made it clear that if it were up to him, Depp would be part of the story:
“It’s a reboot, but if it was up to me, he would be in it. I love him. He’s a good friend. He’s an amazing artist, and he’s a unique look. He created Captain Jack. That was not on the page; that was him doing a little Pepé Le Pew and Keith Richards. That was his interpretation of Jack Sparrow.”
Script Development Is Underway
The screenplay is currently in development. Craig Mazin (known for The Last of Us) and longtime Pirates scribe Ted Elliott have contributed to early drafts, while Jeff Nathanson (writer of Dead Men Tell No Tales) is leading the current rewrite.
Bruckheimer shared last year that Nathanson has “cracked it,” especially with a strong third act, though fine-tuning for the first two acts is still underway.
Depp’s History with Disney
Depp was dropped from the franchise during the Amber Heard trial, but since then he has largely stayed away from Hollywood, taking on smaller, independent projects.
While Disney has not officially reached a deal with Depp, the possibility of a comeback appears more realistic now than in years past.
What’s Next for Johnny Depp?
Depp most recently starred as Louis XV in Jeanne du Barry, voiced Johnny Puff in the animated Puffins spinoff, and is set to play Satan in Terry Gilliam’s upcoming film The Carnival at the End of Days alongside Adam Driver, Jason Momoa, Jeff Bridges, and Asa Butterfield.
Maybe we’ll see Depp back as Captain Jack, as well?
