Pirates of the Caribbean Producer Talks Franchise’s Status
“We are developing two scripts…”
The Pirates of the Caribbean film series seems to have been in limbo in recent years. What with Johnny Depp’s personal situation and COVID-19, it can be expected. But, finally we have an update on where the franchise is at currently.
Whilst doing press for Top Gun: Maverick with The Times, producer Jerry Bruckheimer broke the silence on how the franchise is shaping up currently. When asked about the current status of Margot Robbie appearing in the next instalment, he had this to say:
Yes. We’re talking to Margot Robbie. We are developing two Pirates scripts — one with her, one without.
It was reported by The Hollywood Reporter back in 2020 that the Wolf of Wall Street star was in negotiations to star in a spin-off film set in the Pirates world. It was said that the film would team Robbie back up with Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson. After two years of ongoing talks, Robbie’s involvement could go either way.
The second script is said to be a complete reboot of the main franchise. The team said to be involved includes Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott who has written for the Pirates film previously.
Bruckheimer’s talk with The Times also broached the subject of Johnny Depp’s future with the franchise, given current circumstances. The 78-year-old producer said this when asked if the Captain Jack Sparrow actor would be returning:
Not at this point. The future is yet to be decided.
It isn’t a no. It isn’t a yes. But given Depp’s recent comments in court and earlier reports that he was out of the franchise due to a reboot, it is more likely that he won’t be returning.
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Depp is currently in the midst of a messy court battle with ex-wife, Aquaman‘s Amber Heard. The actress is being sued for $50 million for defamation of Depp. This is over an op-ed she wrote about being a victim of domestic abuse. As Depp is not named, she is countersuing for $100 million.
The current iteration of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series is available to stream on Disney+.