Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that discussions are underway with Johnny Depp to reprise his role in a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film, though the actor would appear in a supporting capacity rather than as the lead.

Negotiations between Johnny Depp and Disney regarding his return to the Pirates franchise have entered active stages, according to producer Jerry Bruckheimer's remarks at Disney's D23 Expo. Bruckheimer disclosed that the studio is simultaneously developing a screenplay for the project, stating that efforts are underway to finalize the arrangement.

According to industry sources cited by Deadline, the narrative direction for the new installment represents a significant departure from previous films. Rather than centering on Captain Jack Sparrow, the story will primarily focus on a character portrayed by Margot Robbie, with Depp's iconic pirate appearing in a secondary role. This shift marks a structural evolution for the franchise rather than a traditional continuation of its established pattern.

The Pirates series has remained a lucrative property for Disney despite recent fluctuations. The 2017 film Dead Men Tell No Tales generated $795.9 million worldwide but ranked as the lowest-performing entry in the franchise's history. Collectively, the Pirates films have grossed approximately $4.5 billion across global markets.

Depp's involvement with Disney had remained ambiguous following the widely publicized 2022 defamation litigation involving his ex-wife Amber Heard. The actor's return to major studio projects appears to be accelerating, with plans to appear as Ebenezer Scrooge in an upcoming adaptation scheduled for November 2024.