Johnny Depp Could Return as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6

Jerry Bruckheimer says the sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie is still being developed—and Johnny Depp’s return as Captain Jack Sparrow remains a possibility.

The prospect of Johnny Depp returning as Captain Jack Sparrow is once again generating excitement among Pirates of the Caribbean fans.

Longtime franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that the sixth installment remains in development and that discussions about bringing Depp back are still part of the equation. Recent reporting indicates that Bruckheimer and the creative team are actively working on the screenplay, with Depp potentially appearing in a supporting capacity rather than necessarily leading the new film.  

For a franchise that has been searching for its next direction since Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales sailed into theaters in 2017, the possibility of Jack Sparrow returning could be a significant turning point.

Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow May Not Be Finished

Depp played Captain Jack Sparrow in all five previous Pirates of the Caribbean films, beginning with 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl.

The character quickly became one of the actor’s defining roles and one of Disney’s most recognizable movie characters.

Although speculation about Depp’s involvement in a sixth film has circulated for years, Bruckheimer has repeatedly indicated that he would like to see the actor return if the story and screenplay make sense.

In March 2026, Bruckheimer pushed back against reports that the next Pirates movie was definitely moving forward without Depp, saying that if the decision were his, Depp would be included.  

The latest reports suggest that the possibility has moved another step closer to reality, although Depp’s return has not been formally announced by Disney as a finalized casting decision.  

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Is Still Taking Shape

One of the reasons the project has taken so long to reach production is that Disney and Bruckheimer have explored several different approaches to continuing the franchise.

The sixth movie has been in development for years, with multiple writers and concepts attached at different points.

Bruckheimer confirmed in 2025 that the team was still working on a screenplay and that the project would not move forward until the script was in a condition the filmmakers were satisfied with.  

That process appears to be continuing into 2026.

Recent reporting indicates that the current version could feature a new central character, with Barbie star Margot Robbie remaining connected to the project’s development, while the filmmakers continue exploring how familiar characters could fit into the story.  

Could Margot Robbie Lead the New Movie?

The future of the franchise may not depend entirely on Jack Sparrow.

Margot Robbie has been connected to a separate Pirates of the Caribbean project for several years, and Bruckheimer has previously confirmed that he has discussed the franchise with the actress.

The producer has also indicated that different versions of the next Pirates movie have been developed.

That leaves open the possibility of a film that introduces a new generation of characters while retaining connections to the original movies.

For Disney, that could provide a way to continue the franchise without simply attempting to recreate the original formula.

Why Jack Sparrow’s Return Would Matter

Bringing Depp back would provide Disney with something a reboot cannot easily manufacture: an immediate connection to the original five films.

The first Pirates of the Caribbean movie arrived in 2003 and became an unexpected blockbuster. The Curse of the Black Pearl earned more than $650 million worldwide and received five Academy Award nominations.  

The franchise subsequently became one of Hollywood’s biggest global movie properties.

Across five films, the series generated more than $4.5 billion worldwide, establishing Jack Sparrow as one of the most commercially recognizable characters in modern adventure cinema.  

A Depp appearance could therefore provide a powerful marketing hook for a new installment.

A New Chapter Instead of a Simple Sequel

The challenge for Disney is finding the right balance.

A sixth movie centered entirely on the original cast could risk feeling like a nostalgia exercise. A complete reboot without recognizable connections to the previous films could alienate longtime fans.

A combination of the two approaches may offer the most attractive option.

A new protagonist could carry the franchise into its next era while Jack Sparrow makes an appearance that acknowledges the character’s importance to the series.

That approach could also give Depp a smaller role without requiring him to carry an entire modern franchise.

The Franchise Has Been Away From Theaters for Nearly a Decade

The timing could be particularly interesting for Disney.

The last installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales, was released in 2017. Nearly a decade later, the original films have had plenty of time to develop a new generation of fans through streaming and home entertainment.

That gap could work in the franchise’s favor.

A theatrical return featuring Depp could be marketed as an event rather than simply another sequel.

The question is whether Disney believes the combination of nostalgia, a new cast and a fresh story can turn Pirates of the Caribbean back into a major theatrical franchise.

When Will Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Be Released?

At this point, Disney has not announced an official theatrical release date for the sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

The screenplay is still being developed, and casting and production details remain subject to change. Bruckheimer has made clear that the project needs the right script before it moves forward.  

That means fans should be cautious about reports claiming that filming or a specific release date has been locked.

For now, the most significant development is simply that the project remains active—and Depp’s possible return is still being considered.

What Johnny Depp’s Return Could Mean for the Box Office

If Disney ultimately announces Depp’s return as Jack Sparrow, the announcement itself could become a major marketing event.

The Pirates franchise has enormous international recognition, while Depp’s portrayal of Sparrow remains one of the most identifiable performances in the series.

For theater owners and distributors, a new Pirates movie with Depp could provide another major franchise-driven theatrical event.

For producers, the project also illustrates the value of established intellectual property in an increasingly competitive theatrical marketplace.

The combination of a recognizable franchise, a returning star and a new generation of characters could give Disney a potentially powerful formula for the next phase of the series.

The Bottom Line

Nothing is official yet—but Captain Jack Sparrow may not have sailed into the sunset after all.

Jerry Bruckheimer continues to work toward a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and current reporting indicates that Johnny Depp’s return remains a genuine possibility.  

Whether Depp returns for a full starring role, a supporting appearance or a brief cameo remains to be determined.

But after nearly a decade away from theaters, one thing is clear:

The next Pirates of the Caribbean movie is still searching for its course—and Jack Sparrow could be back at the wheel.