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

Key points

• Jerry Bruckheimer stated at Disney’s D23 expo that he is 'talking to Johnny' regarding a return to the franchise and that a screenplay is currently being worked on.
• Sources indicate the sixth film will shift focus from Jack Sparrow to Margot Robbie’s character, with Depp potentially appearing as a side character rather than the lead.
• The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series has generated approximately $4.5 billion in global box office revenue across five films, with the 2017 entry 'Dead Men Tell No Tales' being the lowest-grossing installment at $795.9 million.
• Depp’s return would follow his recent high-profile appearance at San Diego Comic-Con to promote 'Ebenezer,' a role he is set to play in a November release.
• Previous development efforts involved writers Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Craig Mazin, and Ted Elliott, with Bruckheimer previously confirming talks with Robbie in September 2025.

Background

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise has been on hiatus since 2017, with various script iterations and casting rumors circulating for years. Johnny Depp’s career trajectory has been significantly impacted by his 2022 defamation victory over Amber Heard, which allowed him to re-enter major Hollywood productions, including 'Ebenezer' and the upcoming 'Day Drinker.' The franchise’s previous attempts to move forward without Depp, such as the reported focus on Margot Robbie, suggest a strategic pivot to ensure the series' commercial viability while potentially retaining the iconic character in a reduced capacity.

How outlets are covering it

TheWrap and Page Six focused primarily on the confirmation of Depp’s involvement and the status of the screenplay, noting that representatives for Depp, Bruckheimer, and Disney did not respond to comment requests. Deadline provided additional detail, citing sources that the film will not be a traditional Jack Sparrow-led adventure but will instead feature Margot Robbie as the protagonist, with Sparrow in a supporting role. The Times of India highlighted the financial success of the franchise and the previous involvement of writers like Craig Mazin, while also noting Bruckheimer’s previous statements about his desire to keep Depp in the series. All sources agree that the project is in active development but differ in the emphasis on the narrative shift from Depp to Robbie.

Why it matters

The potential return of Johnny Depp to one of his most iconic roles signals a significant moment for the actor’s career and the future of a major Disney franchise. The shift in narrative focus to Margot Robbie suggests a strategic move to modernize the series and appeal to new audiences, while the involvement of Depp, even in a supporting role, leverages his enduring star power. This development also reflects the broader industry trend of reviving dormant franchises through strategic casting and narrative reimagining.

What to watch

The next steps involve the completion of the screenplay and the finalization of Depp’s contract. If the talks are successful, the film could enter production in the coming year, with a potential release window in 2028 or later. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether the franchise continues with a new lead or retains its original star in a reduced capacity.