“We’re working on a script”: Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Had 2 Scripts But Disney Wanted the One That Wasn’t Johnny Depp

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed surprising updates about upcoming project that might not involve Johnny Depp.

Johnny Depp in The Film "Pirates of the Caribbean"
Image Credit: Walt Disney Pictures.

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 has been stalled for so long, with causes of delay ranging from the script’s lack of development to Johnny Depp’s infamous court battle.

Thankfully, producer Jerry Bruckheimer shared an update about the film via TheWrap:

We’re working on a script.

If we don’t have it on the page, it’s not gonna get on the screen.

We had two scripts at one point, and then one kind of dropped out and we kind of went with the other one.

It’s intriguing what was in the script that they rejected, but after Depp’s highly publicized legal battle, it’s not surprising that Disney wanted to start the franchise over with a new lead character.

In 2024, Bruckheimer told ComicBook that they would make a reboot instead, as it is “easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors,” sparking the rumor of a Margot Robbie-led film.

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Will Face an Uphill Battle Without Johnny Depp in The Lead

A still from Pirates of the Caribbean film series

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margot robbie i tonya

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the cast of Pirates of the Caribbean movie

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margot robbie in birds of prey

At this point, plans for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 seem vague, and Bruckheimer remains tight-lipped on certain details.

What we know is that they were toiling over two scripts: one with Robbie and one without.

The producer’s confirmation that the actress is still involved in the project could mean two things: either she’s being eyed to carry the franchise from here on out, or she could be working with Depp in the lead, that is, if he decides to reprise his role.

Any fan would know that Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is tough to market without Depp.

Without him playing as Jack Sparrow, the franchise is like a ship without a captain, steering across the seas without a direction.

In the same interview, Bruckheimer acknowledged the challenge of making a sequel.

It has been eight years since Dead Men Tell No Tales came out in theaters, so if it were up to him, he would bring back Depp into the fold.

Fans would recall Disney notably dropping the actor following his controversial legal fight against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

What Johnny Depp Has Said About Reprising Jack Sparrow Role

Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean 6
Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean / Credits: Walt Disney Pictures.

A report shared by People claimed that Depp isn’t totally ruling out the possibility of returning to the franchise despite Disney’s action against him.

An insider told the outlet that anything is possible with the actor, revealing that “if it’s the right project, he’ll do it.”.

This is, of course, great news for avid fans.

Depp has already started getting back to his acting groove and showing up at high-profile events, so it won’t be long before we actually hear the answer from him.

A team-up with Robbie would be a good idea as well, especially since the actress is one of the most sought-after stars today.

Pirates of the Caribbean
Year Released
Rotten Tomatoes

The Curse of the Black Pearl
2003
79%

Dead Man’s Chest
2006
53%

At World’s End
2007
43%

On Stranger Tides
2011
32%

Dead Men Tell No Tales
2017
30%

Would you watch a Pirates of the Caribbean movie without Depp? Share your thoughts below!.

Pirates of the Caribbean movies are currently available to watch on Disney+.