Actor Johnny Depp has faced his fair share of controversy over the past few months as his libel lawsuit in London has raged on. Last week, a verdict was finally delivered by the United Kingdom’s High Court — and the result wasn’t what Depp fans were hoping for.
Fans of the actor’s most famous character, Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, have come to his defense. Soon after the libel case verdict was delivered, there were reports that Disney had scrapped plans to have Depp return as Captain Sparrow in the film franchise’s sixth installment.
A Change.org petition, however, now has nearly 300,000 signatures supporting Depp reprising his iconic role in one capacity or another.
The petition states, in part:
Johnny Depp has been out recently as Captain Jack Sparrow. One of the reasons is his personal issues as well.
He has been playing this role since 2003 when we first saw him arriving at the Port Royal in his boat with that epic background music playing.
But can you imagine someone else portraying this instead of him? Or no Jack Sparrow at all?Â
It continues:
Even if it means nothing to you but please, sign this petition for the ones who REALLY want Johnny Depp as their Captain of the Black Pearl!Â
They have to bring him back to rule the seas again or we will never watch any Pirates of the Caribbean movie without our Captain.
Currently, Disney has not confirmed a title or release date for the potential Pirates of the Caribbean 6 movie. According to IMDB, however, Joachim Rønning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) is set to direct and Ted Elliott (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Shrek The Musical) will write the screenplay.
Zac Efron was at one point rumored to be taking over the role of Captain Jack, perhaps in a sequel.
If you would like to sign the petition to bring back Johnny Depp as the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, don’t forget to click here. Savvy?