A rumor began circulating yesterday that Disney was preparing to offer Johnny Depp a massive $301 million deal to return for a new Pirates of the Caribbean film. Depp has seen his fortunes turn around in a big way following his win in his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard but this latest report about a Captain Jack Sparrow return is being shot down by his team.
The actor’s reps addressed the reports to NBC News which was picked up via E! Online. The team debunked the reported deal and a statement that Depp was working with Disney to mend their working relationship. Depp’s reps bluntly addressed the rumor by saying “This is made up.”
The rumor did appear to be on the more absurd side because the figure that he reportedly signed on for was a direct jab at Depp’s comments during the defamation trial that he would turn down a $300 million offer from Disney if they asked him to return following the studio cutting ties with him as his legal issues with Amber Heard went public. In addition to this, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has said Depp’s future with the franchise remains undecided.
Margot Robbie is still attached to a new spinoff of Pirates of the Caribbean from Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson. Bruckheimer is on board as a producer and he confirmed, as of May, that the project is still very much in the works alongside a separate film without Robbie. It’s possible that they can work out a new deal with Johnny Depp and mend fences but, for now, the talk of his return has been greatly exaggerated.
Do YOU think Johnny Depp will ever return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise?