Shortly after the verdict in the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, speculation began as to when the (more or less) rehabilitated Depp would step back in front of the camera. What will his first film be “after” was one of the questions about his future that was played out with relish.
The Hollywood trade media outdid themselves with international tabloids with alleged insider information on future role formats and fee levels. There was particular speculation about a return to his body and stomach role in Disney Studios’ top-selling pirate saga.
In a situation report, “Variety” summarized various sources last week: “Pirates of the Caribbean” producer Jerry Bruckheimer ruled out in an interview with the London “Sunday Times” that Depp will play Jack Sparrow again in the foreseeable future. The actor has starred in all five franchise films to date and even received an Oscar nomination for The Curse of the Black Pearl.
The last film, Dead Men Tell No Tales, was released in 2017. Bruckheimer announced that two Corsair scripts are currently in the works. But none of them, according to the Hollywood veteran, would continue the story with Depp.
When asked about the authors, Bruckheimer replied: “Ok, we’re going to talk to Margot Robbie and develop two pirate stories – one with her, one without her”. When it comes to the big question about working with Depp, just this much: will he return? “As of now: Not at first. And what the future will bring has yet to be decided!”
Now, on Monday (June 27), Depp’s team vented an interview question that summed up the murmurs of the past few weeks: “If Disney were to offer you $300 million and a million alpacas, your categorical statement would remain.” no force on earth would bring me back to Disney?’” The alpaca and dollar joke refers to a testimony at the Fairfax, Virginia court hearing. Instead of an answer, Depp only gave a wide grin.