Disney wants Johnny Depp to return to Pirates of the Caribbean, but only in a supporting role.

The fate of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise continues to hang in the balance, with new rumors swirling about the possible return of Johnny Depp. But in a surprising twist, Disney reportedly envisions Captain Jack Sparrow not as the lead character but in a supporting role. This latest speculation has reignited debate among fans, industry insiders, and even former cast members, keeping the future of the legendary pirate saga uncertain.

Development Limbo: Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Still Stuck in Uncertainty

Despite years of discussion, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 remains in development limbo, according to both Disney and long-time producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Though the studio insists work is underway on the screenplay, no concrete announcements have been made regarding casting, plot, or release dates.

In a recent interview, Bruckheimer confirmed that the project is still evolving, with possible appearances by original cast members, though he stopped short of naming anyone specifically. Whether the new movie will continue the story from the last instalment or serve as a complete reboot remains unclear.

Johnny Depp’s Possible Return Sparks Debate

The biggest question on everyone’s mind is simple: Will Johnny Depp return as Captain Jack Sparrow?

Industry insider @MyTimeToShineHello, a source known for accurate early leaks, stirred the pot by claiming on X (formerly Twitter):

“Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow is in the script for the next Pirates of the Caribbean film in a supporting role.”

This is the first credible rumor in months pointing toward Depp’s possible reappearance since his last outing in 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales.

However, no official confirmation has come from Disney or Depp’s representatives.

Fan Reactions: Divided But Passionate

Unsurprisingly, the reaction from longtime fans has been mixed. Many refuse to accept the idea of a Pirates film where Jack Sparrow isn’t the central figure.

One passionate fan wrote on social media:

“He needs to either be the lead again or the story should center around hunting him down and set up his return at the end.“

Another said more simply:

“There’s no Pirates movie without Johnny. I’ll take the win, even if he’s not the lead.“

Yet others offered a more measured take:

“Fine with a supporting role as long as it’s a great script. The franchise does need a new lead eventually.”

Another fan pointed out an often-overlooked fact:

“Jack Sparrow wasn’t the lead in the first film. That was Will and Elizabeth. He became central later, but he was never the whole story.”

But critics of the rumored move argue that diminishing Jack Sparrow’s role disrespects what he represents. As one comment summed up:

“How can you relegate him to a supporting role? This guy IS the franchise.“

The State of the Franchise: A Franchise at a Crossroads

With Disney quiet on plot details, the franchise faces an identity crisis. Rumors have circulated that two separate Pirates projects could be in the works:

• One featuring Margot Robbie, potentially a reboot with a fresh lead.

• Another continuing the saga with legacy characters from the original series.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer remains the constant, providing some reassurance to fans hoping the original spirit of the series will endure.

Whether Disney will move ahead with one unified vision or split the franchise into multiple timelines remains one of the biggest unanswered questions.

The Legacy of Jack Sparrow: Too Big for a Supporting Role?

For many fans, Captain Jack Sparrow is synonymous with the Pirates of the Caribbean name. Depp’s quirky, unpredictable portrayal turned what could have been a forgettable action series into a global cultural phenomenon.

The first three films—The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest, and At World’s End—were box office juggernauts, largely because of Depp’s magnetic performance. Even as storylines shifted, Jack Sparrow remained the franchise’s heart and soul.

Relegating him to a secondary role could be Disney’s attempt to gently phase him out while laying the groundwork for a new lead. But whether audiences will embrace that is far from certain.

What’s Next: Could Orlando Bloom and Other Stars Return?

Interestingly, Orlando Bloom, who played Will Turner, has expressed interest in returning to the high seas.
In a past interview, Bloom said:

“I, personally, think it would be great to get the band back together. But there are always different ideas, so we’ll see where it lands.“

If Bloom returns alongside Depp—even in a supporting capacity—it could help bridge the gap between the franchise’s past and future.

Keira Knightley’s return as Elizabeth Swann, however, remains unlikely, given her previous comments about leaving the series behind.

A Strategy to Win Back Fans—or a Risky Gamble?

Disney’s rumored approach could be a calculated strategy:

• Introduce a new protagonist to lead the next generation of Pirates movies.

• Use Jack Sparrow as a mentor or elusive figure, sparking nostalgia and attracting loyal fans back to theaters.

• Slowly shift the narrative focus, rather than abruptly removing beloved characters.

But it could also backfire. Without Depp front and center, the films risk alienating the very fans who kept the franchise alive during its rocky years.

A Franchise Running Out of Time

Since the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 has faced multiple false starts and rewrites.

• Margot Robbie’s rumored spin-off was first greenlit, then reportedly shelved.

• Depp’s public legal battles with his ex-wife Amber Heard further complicated the actor’s relationship with Disney.

• Industry trends have shifted towards superhero films and streaming content, leaving pirate adventures struggling to find their place.

With all this uncertainty, some fans worry that time is running out for the franchise to recapture its former glory.

What Would a Supporting Role Look Like?

If the rumors hold true, Jack Sparrow’s role could resemble:

• A brief but pivotal cameo, steering the new heroes on their quest.

• A storyline where younger pirates search for the legendary Sparrow, only to find him in hiding.

• A redemption arc where Jack helps reclaim the seas from a new villain, before sailing off into the sunset.

The key question: will that be enough for audiences craving a full-blown Jack Sparrow adventure?

Conclusion: Pirates of the Caribbean Faces a Defining Moment

The next year could determine the fate of Pirates of the Caribbean as we know it.

• Will Disney find a way to balance legacy characters like Jack Sparrow with new faces?

• Will fans accept a supporting role for their favorite pirate, or demand a return to the old formula?

• And most importantly, will the franchise rediscover the magic that made it a worldwide phenomenon?

As of now, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 remains trapped in the fog of development. But one thing is clear: wherever the Black Pearl sails next, the shadow of Jack Sparrow will loom large over its decks.

Fans will continue to wait, hope, and speculate—because when it comes to Johnny Depp and Pirates of the Caribbean, nothing is ever truly dead in the water.