In a new interview, the producer of Disney's fantasy swashbuckler films confirms that the axed star will not be returning as Captain Jack Sparrow 'at this point' amid the ongoing defamation trial with Amber Heard.
- May 16, 2022
AceShowbiz - Johnny Depp won't be returning to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise anytime soon. In a new interview, Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer of the fantasy films confirmed the news.
Jerry has echoed the Hollywood star's recent comments that he has no desire to return as Captain Jack Sparrow in the blockbuster Disney movies. In an interview with The Sunday Times newspaper, the producer said when asked if the axed star would be back, "Not at this point. The future is yet to be decided."
It's already known that a female-led "Pirates" film, with Margot Robbie taking on the lead role, and a reboot of the original series are in the works. Weighing on the matter, Jerry said, "We're developing two 'Pirates' scripts. One with her, one without."
During Johnny's ongoing defamation trial with his ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny agreed that even if Disney offered him all the money "on this earth," he would not reprise the role. In court, Amber's lawyer Ben Rottenborn said, "The fact is, Mr. Depp, if Disney came to you with $300 million and a million alpacas, nothing on this earth would get you to go back and work with Disney on a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film? Correct?" And Johnny agreed, "That is true, Mr. Rottenborn."
Johnny later explained that "there was a deep and distinct sense of feeling betrayed by the people that [he has] worked hard for." The 58-year-old actor continued, "People that I delivered a character to that they initially despised, but I stuck to my guns with the character and it seemed to work."
Amber is being sued for $50 million for defamation by her ex-husband over a 2018 op-ed she wrote about being a victim of domestic abuse. The "Aquaman" actress, however, did not name Johnny in the article and has countersued in return for $100 million.
The trial is set to reconvene on Monday, May 16 after a weeks-long break.
