Credit: Disney
There’s one particular reason people want to see DC star Henry Cavill step into the role Johnny Depp originated over twenty years ago.
The Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise So Far
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise stands as one of Disney’s most iconic and enduring cinematic achievements. It brings the swashbuckling spirit of its theme park attraction to life. Led by Captain Jack Sparrow, portrayed by Johnny Depp, the series weaves together adventure, supernatural intrigue, and humor.
The journey began in 2003 with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, a film that took audiences by storm with its cursed Aztec gold, ghostly pirates, and charismatic trio of Jack Sparrow, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). It was a critical and commercial triumph, setting the stage for an ambitious saga.
Credit: Disney
With over $4.5 billion in global earnings, Pirates of the Caribbean remains one of the most successful franchises of all time. Jack Sparrow has become a cultural icon, with Depp’s performance earning an Academy Award nomination and cementing the character in cinematic history.
Though later installments faced criticism for uneven storytelling, the franchise’s legacy is undeniable, and speculation about its future persists. Confirmation of a continuation and a spinoff—potentially led by Margot Robbie—hint at new horizons for the beloved series.
The Fall of Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp’s legal battle with Amber Heard has been one of the most high-profile controversies in Hollywood, captivating global audiences and deeply affecting Depp’s illustrious career. The saga began with their brief but volatile marriage, which ended in 2016 when Heard filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and accusing Depp of domestic abuse.
Though Depp denied these claims, the fallout was immediate, with Heard obtaining a restraining order and the couple settling their divorce in 2017. However, the real firestorm erupted in 2018 when Heard penned an op-ed in The Washington Post, identifying herself as a survivor of domestic violence. While the article didn’t name Depp, its implications were clear, and the actor claimed it derailed his career.
The situation escalated when Depp sued the British tabloid The Sun for libel in 2020 after it referred to him as a “wife beater.” The trial became a media spectacle, with disturbing details of the couple’s relationship laid bare, including allegations of physical and emotional abuse from both sides.
The UK court ultimately ruled in favor of The Sun, stating that the allegations were “substantially true,” which dealt a significant blow to Depp’s reputation. Not long after, Warner Bros. requested that Depp resign from his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, a move that divided fans and led to Mads Mikkelsen stepping into the role.
Credit: Warner Bros.
Depp’s legal battles didn’t stop there. He filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Heard in Virginia, accusing her op-ed of ruining his career, while Heard countersued for $100 million. During the 2022 trial, the jury largely sided with Depp, awarding him $10.35 million in damages, while Heard received $2 million for part of her countersuit.
The verdict marked a slight turning point for Depp, who has since begun rebuilding his career with roles like King Louis XV in Jeanne du Barry (2023).
The controversy, however, left lasting scars on both actors’ careers. Depp faced ostracization from major studios, including Disney, which distanced itself from him and his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Meanwhile, Heard also faced public backlash, particularly from Depp’s loyal fans, and relocated to Spain to focus on her life and career away from the spotlight.
While the legal battle has officially concluded, its legacy remains a lightning rod for debates about domestic violence, celebrity culture, and the power of public opinion in shaping Hollywood narratives.
Credit: DC Studios
What Is Happening With Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
In recent years, speculation surrounding the future of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has only grown, with conflicting reports and mixed signals from key players. While Disney remains largely “non-committal” about the direction of the beloved series, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has expressed his desire to see Johnny Depp’s iconic Captain Jack Sparrow return to the high seas.
Fans remain hopeful, and with multiple projects reportedly in development, the franchise’s next move has become a hot topic in Hollywood.
Currently, two Pirates films are said to be in the works: the long-awaited sixth installment of the main series and a spinoff starring Barbie actress Margot Robbie. Confusion has surrounded Robbie’s project, with the star suggesting it was no longer happening, only for Bruckheimer to clarify that it’s still in development—just taking a backseat to Pirates 6.
Credit: Disney
While details about the sixth movie remain sparse, rumors suggest it will introduce a fresh cast of characters, with Depp’s Jack Sparrow potentially making a supporting appearance. Additionally, whispers of Emmy-winner Ayo Edebiri (The Bear, Inside Out 2) joining the cast as a character named Anne have surfaced, though neither Disney nor Edebiri has confirmed the news.
Amid the buzz, fan-made trailers have taken the internet by storm, fueling excitement and speculation about what’s next for the franchise. Some of the most creative include concepts featuring Wednesday star Jenna Ortega as Jack Sparrow’s daughter and even a controversial pairing of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
Most recently, a fan-crafted trailer imagines a blockbuster team-up between Depp and Margot Robbie in Pirates of the Caribbean 6: The Return of Davy Jones, proving that the fanbase’s enthusiasm for this swashbuckling saga remains as strong as ever.
Henry Cavill as Jack Sparrow?
But will Johnny Depp ever actually return to the franchise? There is no clear answer as to whether Depp will come back in a supporting capacity or whether Jack Sparrow may return with a new face. In fact, one specific scene of Henry Cavill in 2022’s Enola Holmes 2 got audiences thinking The Witcher star could step into Depp’s boots for Pirates of the Caribbean 6.
Posting to Reddit, ironfist92 wrote:
Hear me out: Thoughts on Henry Cavill as the new Captain Jack Sparrow? (based on a clip from Enola Holmes 2)
The clip shows Cavill’s intoxicated Sherlock Holmes being thrown out of a pub before his younger sister, the titular Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown), pulls him off the street. Cavill’s drunk acting sparked Johnny Depp replacement conversations, considering how Jack Sparrow is often full of rum in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
The question sparked discussion, with some asking why Jack Sparrow has to be replaced at all and others claiming that the fan-favorite character belongs to Johnny Depp and Johnny Depp only.
Credit: Marvel Studios
Henry Cavill was last seen on the big screen as Logan, AKA the Cavillrine in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). His cameo played into years of rumors that Cavill would eventually replace Hugh Jackman as the famous member of the X-Men. Cavill’s next role will be in Guy Ritchie’s In the Grey (2025) alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
For a long time, Cavill was Warner Bros. Man of Steel, AKA Superman, but after a complete rebrand, the actor was let go with David Corenswet stepping into the Clark Kent role for James Gunn’s Superman (2025).
As for Johnny Depp, the actor recently helmed Modi (2024), starring Al Pacino.
Do you think Jack Sparrow should be brought back with a new actor instead of Johnny Depp? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
