Pirates of the Caribbean 6: Johnny Depp's Role Hasn't Been Figured Out Yet

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney's most lucrative franchise in recent years, but the studio is still trying to figure out how to proceed with Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in the next film in the series. Rumors and court documents continue to spread around about Depp's own personal legal issues, and some rumors suggested that Jack Sparrow could be sidelines for some new blood in a soft reboot of the franchise. While fans have been divisive on both the latest films AND the prospect of Depp sitting the film out, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has finally spoken out about plans for Pirates of the Caribbean 6. And while Depp fans might be eager for an answer, don't expect one so soon...

Bruckheimer recently spoke with Collider and was asked about a potential role for Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

"The one we're developing right now, we're not sure quite what Johnny's role is going to be," Bruckheimer revealed. "So, we're going to have to see."

There's no word yet on what Disney has planned for the franchise, but Bruckheimer and a team are obviously working hard to make sure the next installment of the successful pirate series can serve as a revival. The films have suffered a steady decline in box office success and critical reception, with the latest film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales becoming the lowest-grossing entry at the box office so far.

Recent rumors have suggested that Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji star Karen Gillan could replace Depp as the lead, becoming the focus for a new generation of films.

The previous film attempted something similar by positioning Brenton Thwaites and Kaya Scodelario's characters as the next generation of pirates to embark on adventures. Unfortunately, audiences didn't turn out for that film to match Disney's expectations, so it seems like the studio and Bruckheimer are back to the drawing board.

In October 2018, original screenwriter Stuart Beattie spoke as if Depp's departure was a foregone conclusion.

"I think he's had a great run. Obviously, he's made that character his own and it's become the character he's most famous for now," Beattie explained to the Daily Mail. "And kids all over the world love him as that character so I think it's been great for him, it's been great for us, so I'm just very, very happy about it."

Hopefully we find out more about the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and what Bruckheimer and Disney have planned for it in the coming months.