During the Los Angeles premiere of his latest film, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, on November 4, 2023, actor Johnny Depp addressed speculation regarding his possible return as Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. When asked by Entertainment Tonight about reprising the iconic role, Depp offered a succinct response: “That’d be fun.”
While Depp, now 62, did not provide further details, he remains one of only three actors to have appeared in all five films of the franchise, alongside Geoffrey Rush and Kevin McNally. The original film, The Curse of the Black Pearl, released in 2003, catapulted the franchise into a global sensation, making the character of Jack Sparrow a cultural touchstone.
Producer Discusses Depp’s Return
The potential for Depp’s return has been a topic of discussion among industry insiders. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who collaborated with Depp throughout the Pirates series, remarked in August that if Depp is satisfied with the script, he would likely consider returning. Bruckheimer stated, “We are still working on a screenplay. We want to make it. We just got to get the right screenplay. We haven’t quite gotten there yet, but we’re close,” according to an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Depp’s latest role as a director in Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness marks a significant shift in his career. The biographical drama is inspired by the life of artist Amedeo Modigliani. Depp revealed that acclaimed actor Al Pacino had previously intended to direct the project and encouraged him to take on the role. “He called me, and he said, ‘John, I think you should direct this film,’” Depp recounted.
Future Projects and Career Shifts
In addition to directing, Depp is preparing to take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in an upcoming adaptation titled Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol. He expressed admiration for Alastair Sim’s portrayal of Scrooge in the 1951 version, calling it “perfection” and stated his intention to explore “a different angle on Scrooge” in this new adaptation.
As Depp continues to navigate his evolving career, the prospect of reprising his role as Jack Sparrow remains a tantalizing possibility for fans. With discussions underway and a screenplay in development, the future of Pirates of the Caribbean could hold exciting developments for both Depp and the franchise.
