Johnny Depp could finally be preparing to sail the high seas once again.
Longtime Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that Johnny Depp is currently in talks to return to the franchise, potentially bringing Captain Jack Sparrow back for the upcoming sixth installment.
While speaking with Deadline during D23, Bruckheimer offered one of the most promising updates yet regarding Depp’s involvement.
“We’re talking to Johnny. We’re working on a screenplay. Hopefully we can get this done,”
Bruckheimer said.
The comments are significant because previous updates largely centered on Bruckheimer’s desire to bring Depp back. In 2025, the producer revealed that he had spoken with Depp and believed the actor could return if he was happy with how Jack Sparrow was written. Now, those conversations appear to have progressed as development continues on the screenplay.
Pirates of the Caribbean [disney]
Depp first appeared as Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a performance that quickly became one of the defining roles of his career. He returned for four additional movies, most recently starring in 2017’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Across its five theatrical installments, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has earned more than $4.5 billion worldwide.
Exactly what a sixth movie will look like remains unclear. Bruckheimer and Disney have spent years developing different approaches to continuing the franchise, including plans involving Margot Robbie and concepts featuring a combination of new and returning characters.
Jerry Bruckheimer reveals conversations have been had with Johnny Depp about returning as Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘Pirates of the Caribbean 6’ | #D23 pic.twitter.com/52iJn7apD1
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
Most importantly, Depp has not officially signed on for Pirates of the Caribbean 6. Bruckheimer’s comments confirm that discussions are taking place, but a deal still needs to be reached and the screenplay remains in development.
Still, after years of uncertainty surrounding Captain Jack Sparrow’s future, this is arguably the strongest indication yet that Johnny Depp could actually return to the franchise.
Pirates of the Caribbean 6 does not currently have an announced release date.
