Johnny Depp’s potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is gaining momentum as audiences and studios consider revisiting the beloved character of Captain Jack Sparrow. Following a decline in audience enthusiasm and Depp’s personal controversies, a new project slated for 2026 could mark the actor’s significant comeback and possibly lead to a sixth Pirates installment.
The Waning Popularity of Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow and Its Impact on the Franchise
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) enjoyed slightly better reception than its predecessor On Stranger Tides but still showed signs of franchise fatigue. The movie earned approximately $250 million less than On Stranger Tides, signaling declining global interest in Depp’s portrayal of Sparrow. Reports noted Depp was delivering lines via an earpiece during filming, reflecting his apparent disengagement. This fifth outing was believed to be his last pirate adventure.
However, Depp’s personal life soon overshadowed his career. Following public disputes with Amber Heard, Depp was asked to step down from the Fantastic Beasts franchise in November 2020. His successful defamation case against Heard in June 2022 generated hope for a career resurgence, positioning Depp for potential new opportunities including a return to his iconic pirate role.
Upcoming Projects Could Pave the Way for a Pirate Comeback
While Depp’s comeback has been slow to materialize, 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial year. His upcoming action thriller Day Drinker, directed by Marc Webb, will be Depp’s first American studio release in some time. Yet, it is the Ti West-directed Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, scheduled for release in November 2026, that may serve as Depp’s major chance to prove his bankability once again.
Two high-profile adaptations of A Christmas Carol are currently in development by directors known for their work in horror—Ti West’s version featuring Depp being one, with Robert Eggers helming another. West’s approach is expected to infuse a horror element into the classic tale, potentially allowing this adaptation to stand out from more conventional versions such as the high-budget Jim Carrey film from 2009.
West’s experience with lower-budget productions means that if Ebenezer succeeds, it could be a financially efficient yet popular project, giving Depp a much-needed hit to reestablish his position as a leading man. Since Depp’s last major hit outside Pirates was Alice in Wonderland (2010), his intervening films like Rango, Black Mass, and Tourist achieved moderate success, while others such as The Rum Diary and Transcendence underperformed or flopped. Smaller films like The Professor and Jeanne du Barry marked this quieter phase in his career.
Disney’s Potential Renewed Interest in Depp Could Revive the Franchise
If Ebenezer resonates with audiences, Disney might reconsider investing hundreds of millions into reviving the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise with Depp back as Jack Sparrow. This decision would depend heavily on Depp’s willingness to return and the quality of the script presented to him. Franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer has publicly expressed hope for a Pirates revival and indicated that Depp remains open to the role, pending a story that appeals to him.
With Geoffrey Rush’s character Captain Barbosa deceased and Keira Knightley having stepped away from franchise filmmaking, much of the original cast would not be returning. Orlando Bloom has shown interest in reprising his role as Will Turner, but without Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann, his appearance would feel incomplete. One possible direction for a sixth film could pair Depp’s Sparrow with a new leading actor, such as the frequently discussed Margot Robbie, potentially passing the torch alongside iconic franchise elements like Sparrow’s hat and even Jack the monkey, if the character remains part of the Black Pearl crew.
The Uncertain Future of Pirates and Depp’s Role in It
The Pirates of the Caribbean series faces the challenge of reinvigorating its brand while adapting to changes in its cast and audience expectations. Depp’s situation is pivotal, with his personal and professional redemption shapes such decisions. His success with Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol may encourage Disney to revive Sparrow’s adventures, but the ultimate factor will be the creative direction and whether Depp finds a compelling script to return.
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