Orlando Bloom has addressed ongoing rumors about a Johnny Depp return in new Pirates of the Caribbean projects, sparking discussion about whether the original cast could reunite for another adventure. While interest in bringing back Captain Jack Sparrow remains high among fans, uncertainty continues regarding the next direction for the beloved Disney franchise.
Reflecting on the Pirates Legacy and Future Speculation
Orlando Bloom, known for portraying Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean series from 2003 to 2017, recently discussed potential future developments for the franchise while appearing on Britain’s This Morning. The actor’s most recent appearance alongside Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann) and Johnny Depp (Captain Jack Sparrow) was in Dead Men Tell No Tales. That film’s post-credits scene hinted that the core trio might once again confront Davy Jones, the cursed Flying Dutchman captain played by Bill Nighy, raising hopes for a sixth installment. Yet since that moment, no new movie featuring the original cast has been confirmed.
Bloom acknowledged the persistent rumors surrounding a return, stating,
“There’s been all kinds of things,”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor. He continued,
“Who knows? There’s been talk [of a sixth movie]. I can’t say anything at the moment, because I really don’t know.”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor.
Adding his own enthusiasm to the mix, Bloom explained,
“I think they’re trying to work out what it would all look like.”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor. He then expressed support for a reunion of the franchise’s main actors:
“I, personally, think it would be great to get the band back together. I think that would be great. But there are always different ideas, so we’ll see where it lands.”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor.
Studio Plans: Reboot and Spinoff Projects in Development
Behind the scenes, the future of Pirates of the Caribbean is taking multiple directions at Disney. Jerry Bruckheimer, the long-time producer for the series, recently revealed that two separate movies are in development. One is a straightforward reboot written by Jeff Nathanson, who previously worked on Dead Men Tell No Tales and Mufasa: The Lion King. The other project is a female-led spinoff intended to star Margot Robbie of Barbie fame, with Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson attached.
The last Pirates film explored the next generation, with Will and Elizabeth’s son Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) and Captain Barbossa’s daughter Carina (Kaya Scodelario) at the forefront. Addressing the topic of the reboot, Bruckheimer mentioned,
“that is easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors.”
—Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer.
Johnny Depp’s Relationship With the Franchise
Fans hoping for a Johnny Depp return in new Pirates of the Caribbean projects have been uncertain after Depp’s widely publicized legal disputes. During his 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard, Depp claimed that Disney ended their working relationship and removed him from consideration for Pirates 6 because of allegations made in a 2018 opinion piece written by Heard for the Washington Post. Depp ultimately succeeded in the defamation suit against Heard. Despite the studio’s decisions at that time, Bruckheimer said of Depp’s iconic role in 2024,
“It’s a reboot, but if it was up to me, he would be in it.”
—Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer.
Keira Knightley’s Perspective on Franchise Films
Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth in four Pirates films, commented in late 2023 that she has moved away from participating in big-budget franchises. She voiced concerns that taking extensive jobs abroad could negatively affect her family. Knightley last appeared in Dead Men Tell No Tales, making a silent cameo as Will Turner regained his freedom from the Dutchman’s curse.
Recalling her experience with the series, Knightley shared,
“It’s a funny thing when you have something that was making and breaking you at the same time. I was seen as sh-t because of [the Pirates films], and yet because they did so well I was given the opportunity to do the films that I ended up getting Oscar nominations for,”
—Keira Knightley, Actor. She added,
“They were the most successful films I’ll ever be a part of and they were the reason that I was taken down publicly. So they’re a very confused place in my head.”
—Keira Knightley, Actor.
Bloom also addressed Knightley’s reflections, offering empathy and appreciation:
“It was such a huge moment in time that is almost like… it feels almost like another lifetime now. But it certainly was unique and, you know, I’m always grateful. But I definitely understand where Keira was coming from, and she does wonderful things.… I have a lot of positive takeaways.”
—Orlando Bloom, Actor.
Uncertainty Ahead for Familiar Faces on the High Seas
As the Pirates of the Caribbean saga moves forward with plans for both reboots and spinoffs, the future involvement of original stars like Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley remains in question. With producer Jerry Bruckheimer noting the logistical ease of developing a reboot without being dependent on the availability of certain actors, Disney seems poised to try new creative routes. The depth of emotion and nostalgia tied to the original series, however, ensures that the topic of a potential reunion and a true Johnny Depp return in new Pirates of the Caribbean stories will continue to capture public attention. Fans await official word as Disney charts a new course for one of its most successful film franchises.
