Johnny Depp says a Jack Sparrow return would depend on how the next Pirates of the Caribbean film is handled, particularly whether it gives the series a better send-off. His comments follow discussions with producer Jerry Bruckheimer, but no casting deal, production start or release date has been announced.
Key Takeaways
- Depp told Entertainment Tonight in November 2026 that another Pirates film should give the franchise a better send-off
- Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed discussions with Depp at Disney’s D23 event on August 16, 2026
- Producer comments and industry reporting have linked Margot Robbie to the next film, but Disney has not announced her casting
- Depp’s upcoming film, Ebenezer, is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on November 13, 2026
Johnny Depp has given his clearest recent explanation of what could bring Captain Jack Sparrow back to the screen. In an Entertainment Tonight interview released November 2, the actor said his interest in another Pirates of the Caribbean movie was tied to how the filmmakers intend to finish the story.
The statement does not confirm a Jack Sparrow return. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has discussed a sixth installment with Depp, but the screenplay is still in development, and Disney has not released an official cast list.
Depp Ties a Jack Sparrow Return to a Better Send-Off
Asked about a new Pirates film while promoting Ebenezer, Depp said his preferred involvement would be to “send them off on a better note.” His answer focused on the prospective film’s creative direction rather than a signed agreement, a shooting schedule or the size of his part.
Depp did not explain whether he meant a final appearance for Sparrow or a conclusion to the franchise as a whole. He also offered no details about the proposed story. His comments leave open the possibility that a film featuring Sparrow could introduce other central characters without making him the lead.
The actor also emphasized his trust in Bruckheimer, who produced all five released Pirates films. Depp told Entertainment Tonight he would work with the producer again on another project, describing their relationship as a longstanding friendship. That willingness to collaborate is separate from accepting a particular screenplay.
The comments represent a change from Depp’s position during his 2022 defamation trial, when he testified that he would not return to work with Disney on another Pirates installment. His latest remarks suggest the possibility is no longer completely ruled out, although he stopped short of announcing a decision.
At a November 1 screening in New York City, Depp separately responded to People about Orlando Bloom’s interest in another reunion without announcing production plans. Bloom had said in September that he would consider revisiting the franchise but had heard no firm updates about another movie.
Bruckheimer Confirms Talks as the Sixth Pirates Script Evolves
Bruckheimer offered a direct update about discussions with Depp on August 16 at Disney’s D23 event in Anaheim, California. Speaking to Deadline, the producer said, “We’re talking to Johnny. We’re working on a screenplay.” His comments established ongoing discussions, not a signed agreement.
The producer had previously said in August 2025 that Depp’s interest would depend on how the role was written. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bruckheimer indicated that the writers were still trying to arrive at a satisfactory screenplay.
At TheWrap’s TheGrill conference in September 2025, Bruckheimer described a project that had gone through more than one draft. Two scripts had initially been considered before development concentrated on one. He said franchise writer Ted Elliott had contributed to the current version and another writer had joined to help complete it.
The changes make it difficult to treat any previously reported plot as final. Disney has not announced a director, an approved synopsis, a filming timetable or a U.S. release date for the proposed sixth installment.
Other returning franchises have reached a more definite stage. Universal has confirmed Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz for the new Mummy sequel and scheduled an October 2027 theatrical release. No comparable announcement has identified which Pirates performers, if any, have signed contracts for another installment.
The absence of confirmed production details is significant because Bruckheimer has discussed the sixth Pirates film publicly for several years. While those statements establish that development continues, they do not establish when Disney might approve filming or whether Sparrow will feature in the finished screenplay.
Margot Robbie Reports Leave Jack Sparrow’s Role Unsettled
Margot Robbie has been connected to a possible Pirates continuation since Disney explored separate versions of the franchise in 2020. She said in 2022 that the female-led film she had been developing was no longer moving forward at the studio, but Bruckheimer offered a different update in September 2025. Speaking at TheGrill, he said Robbie remained involved without explaining her role.
In August 2026, Deadline reported, citing sources familiar with development, that a new installment could feature a protagonist associated with Robbie, with Sparrow appearing as a supporting character.
Disney has not confirmed that account through an official synopsis or casting announcement. It is therefore not established that Robbie will lead the film or that Depp has accepted a supporting role.
Robbie has other confirmed franchise work, including the Ocean’s Eleven prequel, which began filming in Europe in 2026. That separate production does not establish her casting or schedule for Pirates. Questions about the Disney film’s central character remain tied to an unfinished screenplay.
Depp originated Sparrow in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, appearing alongside Bloom and Keira Knightley. He subsequently returned in Dead Man’s Chest, At World’s End, On Stranger Tides and Dead Men Tell No Tales. His performance in the first movie earned an Academy Award nomination for best actor.
The five Pirates movies have earned approximately $4.5 billion worldwide. Dead Man’s Chest and On Stranger Tides each crossed $1 billion, while the most recent installment, released in 2017, earned approximately $795 million globally.
Depp’s immediate theatrical project is Ebenezer, directed by Ti West and scheduled for November 13 in the United States. Paramount lists Rupert Grint, Andrea Riseborough, Sam Claflin, Daisy Ridley and Ian McKellen among the cast. The film’s promotional appearances brought renewed questions about Sparrow, but Depp has announced no new Pirates production commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Jack Sparrow return confirmed?
A Jack Sparrow return has not been confirmed by Disney or the filmmakers. Depp has expressed conditional interest, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed discussions about a sixth film.
What condition did Johnny Depp describe?
Depp said he wants another Pirates film to give the franchise a better send-off. He has not specified a plot or publicly committed to a completed screenplay.
Is Margot Robbie involved in Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
Bruckheimer said in September 2025 that Robbie remained involved in the franchise’s development. Reports about her potentially leading the film have not been confirmed through an official casting announcement.
When will Pirates of the Caribbean 6 be released?
Disney has not announced a release date or production start for the sixth film. Bruckheimer’s August 2026 comments indicated that screenplay development was continuing.
