The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is back, Disney has confirmed. After a rocky conclusion with 2018’s Dead Men Tell No Tales, the Caribbean movie franchise looks to return with a female-led cast headlined by Margot Robbie. We also heard a rumor that Marvel Studios’ own Karen Gillen was being eyed for a lead role, perhaps as the iconic ‘Redd pirate‘ from the POTC ride.

But that begs the question; what about actor Johnny Depp? Depp famously made the franchise what it is today with his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow and many fans feel that his character is intrinsically tied to what makes the movie franchise great.

Although there have been rumors of Depp’s return, so far there has been no word on whether the Curse of the Black Pearl actor will return in the sixth installment, or whether the series will continue without Captain Jack Sparrow. All we know is that the movie is not a reboot. 

Fans of the movie series have some pretty strong opinions about all of this, but particularly whether or not Johnny Depp will return.

Related: Johnny Depp Fans Petition For His “Pirates” Return After Leak Of Amber Heard Tape

Fans demand Johnny Depp‘s return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise

The movie star has been famously admonished by Hollywood over the past few years thanks to allegations of domestic violence from Amber Heard. Depp’s legal battle has continued to make headlines and it’s unclear whether Disney bosses would green-light a Depp return in the lead role of a new Pirates movie.

Check out some of the passionate Twitter opinions below (language warning);

A new Pirates of the Caribbean movie without Johnny Depp? Good luck with that idea. pic.twitter.com/IW1MZqZwIe

— John Jimenez (@johnj1138) June 26, 2020

Very happy for Margot Robbie on landing the Pirates of the Caribbean movie! She’s gonna kill it!

But can we agree that Johnny Depp should still play Jack Sparrow because his lying ass ex wife fabricated stories about being abused and almost ruined his life?

Savvy?

— Vincent Marcus (@VincentMarcus) June 26, 2020

I would just like to point out that I’m not against Margot Robbie starring in a Pirates Of The Caribbean movie. I just think she should be starring along side Johnny Depp who made the franchise what it is.

— Strawberry Fields. (@sunflxwervolsix) June 26, 2020

Will Johnny Depp return to the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise?

Depp is one of very few actors to star in all five films including the poorly received fifth installment Dead Men Tell No Tales and the ‘pretty meh’ fourth movie On Stranger Tides.

It’s fair to say that a huge amount of the Pirates movies’ popularity comes from Johnny Depp‘s Jack Sparrow. Any Disney producer will know just how much value the character will add in terms of getting people into the theatres, and it is difficult to imagine Disney‘s Pirates without Depp.

Related: Johnny Depp ‘Zooms’ Hospitalized Kids as Captain Jack

Whatever happens, the new Pirates is sure to be a big movie when it finally comes out. As for Captain Jack Sparrow, only time will tell. Personally, I’m just holding out hope that Taika Waititi gets bought on as director.

Is a ‘Pirates’ Johnny Depp movie appropriate in the current circumstances? Would you rather see a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot without Captain Jack Sparrow? Let us know in the comments below.