Johnny Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Future Should Become Clearer This Month as Ebenezer Arrives

A possible return to Disney

Disney is developing another Pirates of the Caribbean film, but questions remain over whether Depp will reprise Jack Sparrow, how prominent the character would be and whether the story will introduce new characters. Bruckheimer has repeatedly expressed interest in bringing Sparrow back.

Bruckheimer has confirmed discussions with Depp, and the actor has said he would consider returning. Disney will also weigh the franchise’s commercial prospects and whether audiences are ready to see Depp lead a major film again. His next release may help inform that judgment.

The five Pirates films have earned about $4.5 billion combined. Dead Men Tell No Tales, the 2017 installment, made nearly $796 million worldwide against a reported $230 million production budget.

A major studio test

In Ti West’s Ebenezer, Depp plays Ebenezer Scrooge in a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Paramount is backing the film, which opens November 13. It is Depp’s first major Hollywood studio release since Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018.

In the years since, Depp has appeared in films outside the major Hollywood studio system, including Minamata and Jeanne Du Barry. The latter drew attention after its 2023 Cannes premiere. His starring role in Ebenezer represents a larger return to studio filmmaking.

The film’s performance could show whether Depp can draw audiences to a theatrical release. Its Christmas appeal, West’s direction and supporting cast will also affect its results, so box office returns would not measure his appeal alone.

Marketing and early signals

The first Ebenezer trailer invokes several of Depp’s best-known characters, including Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands and the Mad Hatter, before calling him “The master of misfits is back!” Depp has also appeared publicly as Scrooge, including at New York’s Bryant Park. An August test screening reportedly scored 80 out of 100, while Depp received an 86, according to The Guardian. On November 6, the film was reported to have strong presales and a predicted $22 million opening weekend, cited by Box Office Theory. Those figures do not guarantee success.

The film’s campaign puts Depp’s return at its center. A strong audience response could give him greater leverage for another major franchise role and offer Disney evidence of his box-office draw.

Hollywood opportunities reopen

Depp’s upcoming projects include Lionsgate’s Day Drinker, while established studios and filmmakers have become involved in his work. The reception to Ebenezer, including its press appearances and industry response, may indicate how much support he has in mainstream Hollywood.

A successful release would give Bruckheimer a stronger commercial case for reuniting Depp and Disney. It would not ensure Depp returns as Sparrow, and Disney’s plans for the film remain uncertain.