Insider Spills Details on Disney’s Plans For Johnny Depp’s Future as Jack Sparrow Amid Margot Robbie and Austin Butler Taking Over the Pirates Franchise Rumors
Regarded as one of the most talented actors in the industry, Johnny Depp started his career as a musician before taking up roles in films and making his space in the industry amongst several other exceptional artists. He’s popularly known for portraying Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which helped him to become a household name. Johnny Depp became the heart and the face for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Unfortunately, for the sixth installment of the movie, the studios dropped the actor.
The decision was taken after his ex-wife, Amber Heard, accused him of abuse during their marriage. The Disney executive explained then that they wanted to bring in new energy and vitality. However, after Depp emerged victorious in the defamation battle against Heard, the rumors of him probably returning to the franchise started to circle, apart from other actors taking over the franchise. Insiders have now shared where his character stands in the franchise.
Austin Butler to replace Johnny Depp as Capt. Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise?
One of the disappointing moments for Pirates of the Caribbean fans was when Disney executives announced that Johnny Depp would no longer be a part of the franchise. However, following his win against Amber Heard, there were rumors of him probably returning to the franchise for the sixth installment, as fans waited eagerly for him to reprise the role. But at the same time, the success of Barbie led the studios to consider Margot Robbie taking over the franchise, but nothing was confirmed.
Now, according to reports from Life & Style, Austin Butler is also being considered to take over the character of Capt. Jack Sparrow in the sixth installment. His recent performances in The Bikeriders and Dune: Part 2 have impressed the studios, and they are considering letting him take over. Insiders shared with the publication:
Disney was looking at two options for bringing back the Pirates movies: handing over the franchise to Margot Robbie and hoping the Barbie lightning strikes twice with a one-off female-skewing story, or bringing back Johnny Depp for a sixth go at Jack Sparrow, which would be risky and expensive.
The insider continued that, considering Johnny Depp’s ‘age and polarizing reputation’, making a sixth movie with that version would be regarded as the finale of the franchise. They also noted that the actor still has a lot of support inside the franchise. Amid all of this, rumors of Butler and his team being interested in the franchise has started to brew, and insiders revealed that the actor had shown interest at the right time.
It doesn’t necessarily mean curtains for Margot Robbie’s take or even a return appearance by Johnny. The appeal of somebody like Austin is that he can completely transform into a character, and the potential is there to create something as unforgettable as Johnny’s work on the first film 21 years ago. Plus, he’s proven himself with his accents, actions, and even weird comedy.
However, there is no script, and Butler does not sign up without knowing what the story is going to be. Insiders added that they do not see any reason why Robbie and Depp cannot be invited as surprise cameos in the movie.
Johnny Depp expresses gratitude to fans for sticking by his side
The actor made his comeback in the French historical drama Jeanne du Barry, which showcased the life of King Louis XV’s chief mistress, Jeanne Vaubernier. Depp played King Louis XV and was honored at the National Film Awards. Despite the movie receiving mixed reviews, the actor received the award for Global Contribution to Motion Picture. He appeared in a pre-recorded message in which he said (via The Independent),
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak to you today. I feel very lucky, and I feel very honored that you—all of you—allow me to still continue the work that I love to do. The work that I do is inspired by all of you who have been along this long road and comprehended.
Johnny Depp continued to share that he’s always been humble when the recognition for his endeavors comes directly from the hearts of the people. He added that he’s thankful for the people who have joined him on this long, mystical, magical, and sometimes tragic yet never boring journey. Depp shared that he cannot thank his fans enough for allowing him to continue to tell the stories that he feels are necessary to be told.
The actor, in his speech that was played in London at the event, mentioned that it’s only because of the fans that he’s here today, and his fans are the reason why he feels like he should keep pushing forward.
Jeanne du Barry is available to stream on Apple TV and Vudu via VOD. Pirates of the Caribbean can be streamed on Disney+.
