

Jack Sparrow as a Woman? Orlando Bloom’s Bold Idea for Pirates 6
The seas of Hollywood are once again stirring as the fate of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise remains a hot topic among fans and filmmakers. At the center of the storm is a bold suggestion from Orlando Bloom, who recently shared his thoughts on the long-discussed “Pirates 6.” While Bloom is best remembered as Will Turner, the blacksmith-turned-captain of the Flying Dutchman, he has now raised eyebrows by asking a daring question: Could Jack Sparrow return in the form of a female character?
Bloom Calls for the Original Cast to Return
Appearing at Fan Expo Chicago, Orlando Bloom made it clear that his ideal version of “Pirates 6” would see the original cast reunited—himself as Will Turner, Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann, and of course, Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. For Bloom, the magic of the franchise lies in the chemistry and dynamic storytelling that these characters brought to the screen.
“Everything is in the writing, right? Everything is on the page,” Bloom told fans. “I would personally love to see everybody back. I think the way to win on that one is to get everybody back. If they can, and if everybody wanted to go back.”
Bloom’s comments highlight a longing among fans for a true reunion of the franchise’s most iconic figures. After all, the first three films—The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man’s Chest (2006), and At World’s End (2007)—remain among the most beloved blockbusters of their era.
The Question of Jack Sparrow’s Future
But Bloom also raised a provocative possibility: what if Jack Sparrow returned as a woman?
“What they’re thinking… is how to do it. Do you bring in a female leading character that replicates Jack in some way? I don’t know. The jury is out on how to do it again,” Bloom admitted.
This idea is both daring and divisive. Captain Jack Sparrow, as brought to life by Johnny Depp, is arguably one of the most recognizable characters in modern cinema. Depp’s eccentric performance turned Sparrow into an icon, blending humor, unpredictability, and charm. Replacing or reimagining him, particularly as a female character, would mark a radical departure from tradition.
Some fans see the idea as a creative way to breathe new life into the franchise, especially after years of development limbo. Others view it as a risky move that could alienate longtime audiences who feel that Jack Sparrow is irreplaceable.
The Female-Led “Pirates” That Never Set Sail
The suggestion of a female Jack Sparrow echoes earlier reports of a female-led reboot of the franchise. Back in 2020, Disney was said to be working on two separate projects: one a continuation of the original series, and another a fresh reboot led by Margot Robbie.
However, that plan stalled. Robbie later revealed in a 2022 interview that Disney was no longer pursuing her version, though producer Jerry Bruckheimer clarified that both projects could still exist in the future. “I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too,” he said, keeping the door open.
The shelving of Robbie’s reboot makes Bloom’s suggestion even more intriguing. Could Disney merge these ideas, bringing in a female pirate lead while still tethering the story to Sparrow’s legacy?
Johnny Depp’s Potential Return
The elephant in the room remains Johnny Depp. Since his high-profile legal battles with Amber Heard, Depp’s career has been in flux. He has been absent from major Hollywood projects, but recent signs suggest a potential comeback. He is currently set to star in “Day Drinker” for Lionsgate alongside Penélope Cruz, his former “Pirates” co-star.
Bruckheimer himself has not ruled out Depp’s return. Just last month, he confirmed that conversations with the actor had taken place: “If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it. It’s all about what’s on the page… We are still working on a screenplay. We want to make it.”
If Depp were to return, the notion of replacing Jack Sparrow with a female character might be shelved entirely. Still, Bloom’s question raises an important discussion about how the franchise should evolve for a new generation while respecting its legacy.
The Franchise’s Legacy and Future
The “Pirates of the Caribbean” films have grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide, cementing their status as one of Disney’s most successful live-action franchises. Much of that success has been tied to Depp’s Sparrow, but also to the ensemble cast and the epic storytelling of swashbuckling adventures, curses, and naval warfare.
Now, with nearly eight years since the last installment (Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017), Disney faces a crucial decision. Should they revive the series with the familiar faces fans know and love, or chart an entirely new course with bold risks—like introducing a female Jack Sparrow?
Conclusion
Orlando Bloom’s comments have reignited the debate about the future of “Pirates 6.” His support for reuniting the original cast has thrilled longtime fans, but his suggestion of a female Jack Sparrow has sparked curiosity and controversy.
Ultimately, the fate of the franchise rests on the strength of the screenplay and whether Disney can strike a balance between honoring the past and pushing the story forward. Whether Jack Sparrow returns in his classic form, or in a surprising new incarnation, one thing is certain: the seas of the Caribbean still have treasures left to uncover.