Disney bosses ‘lobbying for Johnny Depp’s return’ to Pirates of the Caribbean franchise

Actor was ‘dropped’ from film series in 2018

Disney bosses reportedly want to bring Johnny Depp back to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

More than a year after being “dropped” from the blockbuster film series, it’s been claimed that executives are reconsidering their decision.

When asked about the forthcoming film in December 2018, the studio’s production chief, Sean Bailey, said they wanted “to bring in a new energy and vitality” to the reboot.

According to We Got This Covered, recent “revelations” claimed in the actor’s $50m (£40m) defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard have changed minds.

“The recent turn of events in Depp’s legal battle has some of the Mouse House executives now lobbying for his return behind the scenes,” a source told the site.

Depp’s lawsuit claims that Heard was allegedly the hostile one in their marriage.

Just last week, a court was read numerous text messages from Depp, one of which saw him threaten to “burn” and “drown” Heard.

Depp was in attendance as he’s currently suing the publishers of The Sun and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an article that alleged he had been abusive to his ex-wife.

Adam Wolanski QC, representing News Group Newspapers, told the court the texts are “very damaging” to Depp’s case.

The actor has played the role of Captain Jack in five films across 14 years, which have accumulated box office takings of over $4.5b (£3.9b), making it the twelfth biggest franchise of all time.

The most recent outing, Dead Men Tell No Tales, was released in 2015, with director Joachim Rønning stating it was “only the beginning of the final adventure”.

Depp’s appearance in the latest Fantastic Beasts sequel, The Crimes of Grindelwald, was heavily criticised after the actor found himself at the centre of domestic violence allegations by Heard in May 2016.

He denied the accusations and the pair settled the case out of court months later.