Disney 'working on' bringing Johnny Depp back to Pirates Of The Caribbean

Trying to work out whether or not Johnny Depp is returning to the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise is quite the head-scratching mystery. In fact, the details have been so muddied up till now that we may even need to get Benoit Blanc on the case. As I’m sure you’re aware, Depp was involved in a high profile libel trial in the US earlier this year with ex-wife Amber Heard. This followed a similar libel trial held in the UK between Depp and News Group Newspapers Ltd.

Due to the allegations of domestic abuse, Depp resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after he was asked to do so. His future in the Pirates franchise though is much more uncertain. During the libel trial, Depp claimed that Disney ousted him before later saying that he left of his own accord. We may never know the truth, but what we have now discovered is that there are plans to bring the actor back into the Pirates fold.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer has revealed that he’d “love” to see Depp return. When asked if Disney is worried about Depp’s image now, he answered, “You’d have to ask them. I can’t answer that question. I really don’t know. I would love to have him in the movie. He’s a friend, a terrific actor and it’s unfortunate that personal lives creep into everything we do.”

It’s by no means a concrete yes but Bruckheimer is a major creative force in the Pirates franchise, and it sure looks like he’ll be championing bringing Depp back. Don’t expect Disney to kill off the character though. Bruckheimer commented, “You can’t. We tried to kill him. It didn’t work.”

Bruckheimer previously revealed that two Pirates films are currently in the works. One is set to be a reboot featuring a younger cast, while the other is the female-led spin-off created in partnership with Margot Robbie. Robbie previously said that the film had been cancelled but according to Bruckheimer, the script just isn’t quite where it needs to be. Seeing as Dead Men Tell No Tales set up a sequel, it’s possible that Depp could return in a more straightforward Pirates 6. Disney will have to make up their mind soon.