The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise dominated most of the 2000s. The first three films in the Johnny Depp-led franchise earned nearly $3 billion at the global box office and were nominated for several awards. Unfortunately, ever since the 2010s hit, there just hasn’t been more Pirates of the Caribbean films despite the demand. Even though 2011’s On Stranger Tides made $1 billion at the global box office, 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales failed to breach the $1 billion mark and received generally unfavorable reviews from audiences as well as critics alike.
Since then, Johnny Depp hasn’t donned the tricorne hat again as the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow and there are no signs that this is going to change anytime soon. But, this hasn’t stopped fans from trying to get the Minimata actor back on the big screen.
According to a fan petition on Change.org from November 2020, nearly 700,000 fans want to bring Johnny Depp back to lead another bunch of scallywags to another whimsical adventure. Since its formation, the petition’s stated goal for a number of signatories has been constantly increased. Although it hasn’t quite topped 1 million yet (the latest goal), the petition is getting close, which begs one to wonder, what happens then?
Depp is Jack Sparrow, recasting him just doesn’t make any sense. The 58-year-old actor might have found himself in hot water recently amidst his controversial split with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, but he remains the ideal choice for the role. Even if Disney would reboot the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, the House of Mouse should bring Depp back. The only reason not to is if he specifically states that he doesn’t want to play Jack Sparrow anymore.
At the end of the day, the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is in Disney’s hands.
For now, fans can look forward to another attraction-based movie from Disney in Jungle Cruise, with a sequel confirmed to be coming in the next few years. As for Depp, the Hollywood actor spoke out against the industry’s “boycott” against him back in August. We also found out in December that James Franco is set to testify in the ongoing trial involving the former celebrity couple, Depp and Heard.
