Pirates of the Caribbean: Will Johnny Depp return as Jack Sparrow in the reboot?

Disney is reviving the franchise with a new outing

Disney is moving ahead with its Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, but there are conflicting reports over whether Johnny Depp will be a part of it.

In 2018, the studio announced it would make another film in the blockbuster franchise, which is now said to be starring Karen Gillan.

At the time of its announcement, the return of Captain Jack Sparrow was played down due to Amber Heard’s allegations of domestic violence at the hands of Depp.

However, more than a year after seemingly being dropped from the new film, it was reported that Disney bosses had changed their minds and were actively “lobbying” for his inclusion.

The report cited “revelations” claimed in the actor’s $50m (£40m) defamation lawsuit against Heard.

New sources back this up, with The DeInsider stating that Disney is hoping Depp will return as Sparrow in some form.

Considering that the studio’s production chief, Sean Bailey, previously said he wanted “to bring in a new energy and vitality” to the film, it seems Sparrow’s role would only be a small one.

It’s claimed that Disney is using Transformers spin-off Bumblebee as a blueprint; the Paramount Pictures film was a critical hit upon its release in 2018.

The actor has played the role of Sparrow 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.

Depp last played Captain Jack in 2015 film ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (Rex Features)