Disney has selected a new lead to steer Pirates of the Caribbean 6, marking a significant shift from Johnny Depp‘s iconic role as Jack Sparrow. Nearly ten years after the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales, Disney is moving forward with the franchise by introducing Jack Sparrow’s son as the story’s new focus. This change follows various delays including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Hollywood strikes, and Depp’s legal battle with Amber Heard.
Reports indicate that Krysty Wilson-Cairns, known for her Oscar-nominated work on 1917, has been hired to write the screenplay for the upcoming film, which will spotlight a younger generation of pirates. Meanwhile, Margot Robbie—previously attached to a cancelled female-led Pirates spin-off—is expected to join the cast, further signaling a fresh direction for the franchise.
As the studio aims to continue the legacy, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is now a priority under Disney’s new CEO Josh D’Amaro, who wants to maintain the original series’ spirit while updating it with a modern approach and a more modest budget.
Shift in Focus: Introducing Jack Sparrow’s Son and Margot Robbie’s Role
Disney plans to revitalize the franchise by passing the torch to Jack Sparrow’s son, effectively replacing Depp’s seafaring character at the center of the narrative. This does not completely rule out the actor’s return, but suggests that his role will no longer be the primary focus. Margot Robbie has been cast as a new character, marking a significant addition after her previously rumored involvement in a scrapped female-led spin-off written by Christina Hodson.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed in 2022 that Disney was developing two Pirates of the Caribbean projects: one with Margot Robbie in a lead female role and another featuring a younger ensemble. The latter project is believed to be now progressing as Pirates 6.
Josh D’Amaro, the recently appointed CEO, has expressed a clear intention to balance the original atmosphere of the franchise with contemporary sensibilities while controlling production costs.
The Possibility of Johnny Depp’s Return to the Franchise
Following Depp’s legal victory in his defamation case against Amber Heard, there has been speculation about whether Jack Sparrow might reappear alongside his son in the upcoming film. Disney reportedly remains open to Depp’s involvement, potentially in one of the two movies under development.
Jerry Bruckheimer told Entertainment Weekly in August 2025 that he has discussed the possibility of Depp returning and remains hopeful if the screenplay is compelling. He said,
“If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it. It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know. We are still working on a screenplay. We want to make it. We just got to get the right screenplay. We haven’t quite gotten there yet, but we’re close.”
—Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer
Bruckheimer described the new film as a reboot but emphasized his desire for Depp’s return, even as the project experiences changes including a new writer and leadership at Disney. Scheduling conflicts and Depp’s salary expectations are potential hurdles, especially given the studio’s push for a tighter budget.
If Depp reappears, industry insiders suggest he may have a limited or supporting role, largely passing prominence to the new lead portrayed as Jack Sparrow’s son and to Margot Robbie’s fresh character.
Challenges Delaying the Next Pirates Film
Since the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales over a decade ago, multiple obstacles have hindered the continuation of the Pirates of the Caribbean saga. The global COVID-19 pandemic caused significant production delays, while the 2023 Hollywood strikes further stalled progress. Johnny Depp’s high-profile legal battle also contributed to uncertainties surrounding the franchise’s future direction.
Despite these challenges, the franchise maintains enduring popularity, largely due to its connection to the beloved theme park ride and exciting adventure themes involving the Seven Seas. The return of legendary characters like Davy Jones was teased previously, keeping fan interest alive.
What Lies Ahead for the Pirates Franchise
With Disney intent on refreshing the Pirates franchise through new characters and storylines, Pirates 6 could mark a turning point. Introducing a younger cast and new leads like Margot Robbie signals an effort to modernize the series while respecting its roots. The creative input of acclaimed writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns and the strategic vision of CEO Josh D’Amaro indicate that Disney is committed to reviving the franchise for a contemporary audience.
Whether Johnny Depp will return remains uncertain, but fans can expect a shift toward new adventures on the high seas featuring a next generation of pirates. This revamped approach may influence how Disney balances legacy characters and fresh storytelling across upcoming films.
