Johnny Depp ‘refuses’ to return as Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. Here’s why!

Fans of Pirates of the Caribbean, gather! The latest update is that actor Johnny Depp - who plays Captain Jack Sparrow in the fantasy supernatural swashbuckler film series - is unlikely to return to the popular Disney franchise. Why? Because, the Hollywood star is apparently ‘still furious at the studio’ for cancelling his contract during the Amber Heard defamation trial.

That said, if rumours are to be believed, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory actor - who turns 60 on June 9 - was offered $20m to reprise his role of Captain Jack Sparrow, popular among fans for his tattered boots and tricorn.

Inspired by Walt Disney’s theme park attraction of the same name, the movie series was helmed by a slew of directors - Gore Verbinski (1-3), Rob Marshall (4), Joachim Rønning (5) and Espen Sandberg (5). The films trace the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, alongside Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) and Joshamee Gibbs (Kevin McNally). 

According to a DailyMail report, Disney decided to break ties with Johnny in 2018, after the actor’s ex-wife Amber accused him of domestic abuse. “The actor is still angry at the studio for blind dropping him during the case. He is done with Disney once and for all,” a source said. Recently, Sean Bailey - the President of Disney Studios - said that the studio was ‘noncommittal at this point’ about the embattled actor’s return to the franchise. 

Also read: Has Amber Heard quit Hollywood months after Johnny Depp drama? Reports believe so

Meanwhile, at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Johnny got teary eyed after his historical drama film Jeanne Du Barry - written and directed by Maïwenn - received a seven-minute standing ovation on the premiere night. The movie also stars Pierre Richard, Benjamin Lavernhe, Noémie Lvovsky, Pascal Greggory, Melvil Poupaud and India Hair. It’s the story of Madame du Barry, who uses her intelligence and allure to climb the social ladder.