Bruckheimer Confirms Depp Talks for 'Pirates 6' as Franchise Shifts Focus to Robbie

Key points

• Jerry Bruckheimer stated at D23 that he is 'talking with Johnny' and working on a screenplay for the sixth 'Pirates' entry.
• Insiders report the film will pivot from a Jack Sparrow-centric narrative to focus primarily on Margot Robbie’s protagonist.
• The previous installment, 'Dead Men Tell No Tales' (2017), grossed $795.9 million, the lowest in the series, though the franchise has earned $4.5 billion globally.
• Depp is currently promoting 'Ebenezer,' a Christmas Carol adaptation set for release in November 2026, marking his return to major studio projects.
• Bruckheimer also expressed hope that Paramount remains in California amid ongoing antitrust disputes and merger negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Background

Development for a sixth 'Pirates' film has stalled for years, with previous script attempts by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Craig Mazin failing to reach production. In September 2025, Bruckheimer confirmed Margot Robbie was circling the project. Depp’s return to the spotlight has been complicated by his 2022 defamation victory over Amber Heard and his subsequent exit from the 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise. His recent high-profile appearance at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 in full 'Ebenezer' makeup drew mixed reactions, with some critics viewing it as a risky stunt for his comeback.

How outlets are covering it

Deadline and The Wrap report that Bruckheimer’s comments at D23 signal active negotiations, though representatives for Depp and Disney did not respond to comment requests. Page Six highlights the shift in narrative focus, noting that Depp may play a side character rather than the lead. While Deadline emphasizes the financial success of the franchise, The Wrap notes the long history of script rewrites and the uncertainty surrounding Depp’s legal past. Bruckheimer’s comments on Paramount’s location suggest a broader industry concern regarding studio stability in California, separate from the 'Pirates' development.

Why it matters

A sixth 'Pirates' film would represent a major financial gamble for Disney, given the declining box office performance of the final entry. The shift to a Margot Robbie-led narrative suggests a strategic attempt to modernize the franchise and reduce reliance on Depp’s polarizing public image. Success would validate the studio’s investment in a new creative direction, while failure could signal the end of the live-action series. Additionally, the project’s progress reflects the broader industry trend of reviving dormant franchises through character pivots rather than direct sequels.

What to watch

The next step is the completion of the screenplay, which is currently in development. If Depp’s participation is confirmed, filming could begin in 2027, potentially aligning with the release window for 'Ebenezer.' The outcome of the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger and California antitrust cases may also influence production logistics and studio support for the project.