Johnny Depp could be setting sail again as Captain Jack Sparrow, according to Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
Bruckheimer, 80 – who has been behind major hit movies including Armageddon, Top Gun, Con Air and the Bad Boys films with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence -recently revealed that discussions have taken place about the actor’s return to the franchise, despite earlier reports to the contrary.
In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bruckheimer confirmed that development on the next installment of the blockbuster Disney franchise is moving forward, with a screenplay currently in development.
He said Depp’s participation would ultimately depend on how the character is written.
‘If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it,’ Bruckheimer explained, noting that the script is still being refined.
‘It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know… We want to make it. We just got to get the right screenplay. We haven’t quite gotten there yet, but we’re close.’
After a series of vague updates in recent years, Bruckheimer previously shared that new Pirates films will feature a fresh cast – with no mention of Depp.
This may or may not chime with talk in 2022 of a female-led take with Barbie star Margot Robbie.
Fans who were appalled by the implication that Depp wouldn’t return are almost certainly thrilled by this latest update.
The last Pirates outing, 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales, saw Depp reprise his iconic role alongside franchise veterans Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley.
While the planned sixth film is being described as a reboot, Bruckheimer has made it clear he would like to see Sparrow make at least a cameo appearance.
‘It’s a reboot, but if it was up to me, he would be in it,’ Bruckheimer told the magazine.
‘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 his interpretation. It wasn’t on the page — he came up with that blend of Pepé Le Pew and Keith Richards.’
The producer also revealed that Jeff Nathanson, who wrote Dead Men Tell No Tales, is once again behind the script for the upcoming film.
According to Bruckheimer, Nathanson has already ‘cracked’ the story’s ending.
‘He’s got an amazing third act,’ Bruckheimer said. ‘We just gotta clean up the first and second, and then we’ll get there. But he wrote a great, great third act.’
Although Disney has not officially announced a release date or confirmed casting, the prospect of Depp returning as the rum-loving pirate will likely excite fans who have campaigned for his comeback in recent years.
For now, Bruckheimer says the team’s priority is perfecting the script – but the door to the Black Pearl appears to be wide open for Captain Jack Sparrow.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
