Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer behind “Pirates of the Caribbean” and many other blockbuster films, stated that he would “love” to see Johnny Depp reprise his role as Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates” franchise.
Bruckheimer was asked by The Hollywood Reporter if the outcome of Depp’s defamation trial with Amber Heard would lead Disney to reinstate Depp in the film series.
Depp sued his ex-wife, Amber Heard, for libel, and Heard counter-sued. Their case was heard in a high-profile, weeks-long trial earlier this year, during which Depp claimed Heard ruined his reputation by writing an op-ed for the Washington Post in which she claimed she was abused.
He claimed it cost him jobs, including the “Pirates” series, which is owned by Disney. “I’m sure Disney was trying to cut ties to be safe at the time; the ‘MeToo’ movement was in full swing,” he said.
During the trial, both sides revealed many details about the couple’s troubled marriage and alleged abuse. In the end, Heard was ordered to pay Depp $10.35 million. In her countersuit, the jury also awarded Heard $2 million. According to Depp’s attorneys, Heard and Depp settled for $1 million this week.
Bruckheimer, who produced five “Pirates” films starring Depp, told The Hollywood Reporter’s James Hibberd that he couldn’t speak for Disney on Depp.
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “I would love to have him in the movie,” he added. He’s a friend and a fantastic actor, and it’s unfortunate that our personal lives infiltrate everything we do.”
Hibberd stated that Depp “hinted that if he were to return, the film should have a clear ending for his character,” and inquired as to whether Bruckheimer would ever kill off Depp’s character, Jack Sparrow.
“You can’t do it. We attempted to murder him. “It didn’t work,” Bruckheimer said.
Bruckheimer also produced “The Lone Ranger,” starring Depp, as well as films such as “Pearl Harbor,” “Remember the Titans,” and “Top Gun,” as well as TV shows such as “Amazing Race” and “CSI.”
