Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot
The beloved Disney adventure franchise “Pirates of the Caribbean” is set for a reboot, currently in development. Over the years, reports have varied, with some indicating an entirely new cast and others suggesting a female-centric film starring Margot Robbie. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has recently provided significant updates on the franchise’s direction and Johnny Depp’s potential involvement.
Jerry Bruckheimer, 80, remains enthusiastic about collaborating with Johnny Depp despite the actor’s legal issues with ex-partner Amber Heard. Discussing the reboot, Bruckheimer told Entertainment Weekly, “It’s a reboot, but if it were up to me, he would be in it.”
Bruckheimer is overseeing two distinct Pirates projects. One is a spinoff led by Margot Robbie, while the other is a different reboot. Jeff Nathanson, who wrote the script for “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” is returning to pen the new Pirates film. Meanwhile, Christina Hodson is writing the screenplay for the Robbie-centric project.
The producer shared that Disney is keen on both projects, especially the one featuring Robbie. “We hope to get ’em both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too,” Bruckheimer said.
As for Depp’s involvement, Bruckheimer expressed his desire for the actor to play a significant role in the reboot, though not necessarily as the lead. He highlighted Depp’s unique contribution to the character of Captain Jack Sparrow, stating, “I love him. He’s a good friend. He’s an amazing artist and he has a unique look. He created Captain Jack.”
Depp brought the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow to life in the first five films of the franchise, released between 2003 and 2017. Collectively, these films grossed around $650 million globally, with “Dead Man’s Chest” (2006) and “On Stranger Tides” (2011) each surpassing the $1 billion mark.
Following the release of the fifth film, discussions about a sixth installment began circulating. Depp, who is working to reestablish his career, recently starred in the 2023 French film “Jeanne du Barry.” As of now, no additional projects featuring Depp have been announced.
Bruckheimer’s recent comments and the ongoing development of these projects suggest that while Disney is exploring new directions for the franchise, there remains a possibility for Depp’s return, maintaining the legacy of Captain Jack Sparrow.
