The legacy of Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp has been put on full display this
week during the ongoing defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard, who is accused of
tarnishing it with alleged claims of spousal abuse.
With each new day of testimony, the public has learned more and more about Depp's life
in the limelight and behind the scenes, including a few sad truths about his career and future.
After taking the stand on, Depp said of Heard's allegations:
"It just didn't need to go in that direction.
On April 20th, Depp described how Heard's allegations had, in the long run, cost him
"everything."
This referenced the fact that the actor wound up losing his roles in both the Fantastic
Beasts and Pirates of the Caribbean film franchises as a result of the abuse scandal.
At one point during Wednesday's testimony, Depp was asked about some claims he made in
the past in regard to Disney, and whether he'd ever be willing to work with the media
giant again in the future.
His answer will leave many Pirates fans — and fans of Captain Jack in particular — feeling
a little heartbroken.
Yes, it seems that the real-world legal battles between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp have meant
that Depp's days of playing Captain Jack Sparrow for Disney have finally come to an end.
The actor confirmed during his testimony on Wednesday that there is no way he could ever
work for the Mickey Mouse company again — not even for hundreds of millions of dollars.
When attorney Ben Rottenborn asked if $300 million wouldn't be enough to convince Depp
to reprise his role as Captain Jack, the actor responded in the affirmative.
Over the course of Heard's defamation trial, Depp's legal team has attempted to prove that
she caused harm to his reputation and career by making abuse claims in a December 2018
Washington Post article, which didn't identify Depp by name.
Heard's lawyers have been trying to show that any damage caused was not a result of the
article, but instead came before the op-ed was published.
They argued Wednesday that Depp's disdain for Disney had stemmed from a reported falling
out that the two parties had in October 2018, with an article from the Daily Mail at the
time claiming Depp was, quote, "out as Jack Sparrow."
The notion that Depp would never return to the role — not even for $300 million — came
from the statements that the actor made in his deposition.
Should he win, Depp is seeking $50 million in compensatory damages and a punitive award
of at least $350,000.
Johnny Depp's time as Captain Jack Sparrow dates back to the launch of the Pirates of
the Caribbean franchise in 2003.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl introduced moviegoers to the iconic
character, and suffice to say, he quickly became the heart and soul of the series.
"You are without doubt the worst pirate I have ever heard of."
"But you have heard of me."
For the next 14 years, across four more films, Depp stuck with the part, remaining a highlight
despite the IP's diminishing popularity and financial viability.
So, with him now gone as rumblings of a sixth movie persist, what does the future hold for
Pirates of the Caribbean?
Narratively speaking, the absence of Captain Jack shouldn't be too difficult to work around,
seeing as the next Pirates of the Caribbean adventures will apparently be reboots.
Deadline reported as much in 2019, noting that Ted Elliott and Craig Mazin were collaborating
on a new story for the franchise.
Come mid-2020, Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson had signed on to write a separate reboot
with Margot Robbie as the lead.
However, in the years since these news tidbits came to light, the next Pirates flicks seem
to have fallen into production limbo.
It may have degraded somewhat over the years, but Pirates of the Caribbean remains one of
Disney's most beloved film series.
Regardless of the quality or plot, it stands to reason that fans would come out in droves
to buy tickets to see more installments.
Although, should such features ever make their way to the big screen, it would be unwise
to hold your breath for a cameo by Captain Jack Sparrow.
"If you were waiting for the opportune moment…
That was it."
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