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Credit: DisneyDespite a loyal fanbase, actor Johnny Depp has not been well-received by many industry leaders in Hollywood and surrounding areas.
The controversy surrounding Johnny Depp has had significant repercussions on his career, particularly his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Following his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp found himself blacklisted by Disney. This decision came despite his portrayal of Jack Sparrow being central to the franchise’s success and popularity.
In 2022, during his defamation case against Heard, Depp stated that he would never reprise the role of Jack Sparrow, even if Disney offered him “$300 million and a million alpacas.”
This sentiment was echoed by Disney’s move to reboot the Pirates franchise without him, as confirmed by producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Bruckheimer mentioned that the new direction for the franchise would likely not include Depp’s beloved character, aiming for a fresh start with new talent.
This decision has been met with mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders. Many believe that the Pirates franchise cannot succeed without Depp’s charismatic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. Despite this, Disney seems determined to move forward, exploring various spinoffs and reboots that exclude Depp from the main narrative.
Though Walt Disney Studios remains tight-lipped on the sixth installment of the franchise, multiple names have been considered as replacements, including Margot Robbie and Austin Butler.
As Disney has essentially confirmed that Johnny Depp won’t be returning for the next installment of the franchise — and there are teasers that this new installment will be a reboot — fans have remained skeptical. Loyal legions of fans have shared that they will not watch a Pirates of the Caribbean film without Johnny Depp.
That hasn’t stopped Hollywood from moving on from the actor. Many fans have also joined in, taking the side of Amber Heard.
The impact of Depp’s controversies extends beyond his career. Recently, other celebrities have faced backlash simply for being associated with him. A notable example is Ed Sheeran, who faced criticism from fans after posting a photo with Depp. In the picture, Sheeran is seen smiling alongside Depp, which sparked outrage among some fans who are supporters of Amber Heard.
They expressed their disappointment on social media, accusing Sheeran of endorsing Depp despite the controversies surrounding him.
Teatro del Silenzio backstage shenanigans with Teddy & Johnny.
Lubrication by Guinness.
Perfect.
Grazie Millie Maestro Andrea Bocelli. What an incredible experience. pic.twitter.com/plEbq1LMwj— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) July 18, 2024
The Independent recently shared some reactions to the photo, many of which were calling to cancel Ed Sheeran.
“Oh, Ed Sheeran,” another said, alongside a GIF of Tyra Banks shouting. “I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you! How dare you!”
One user said that they “lost one” today.
“Nooooooooooo omfg we lost one today kids. ed, how could you do this to me??????” they said.
Another wrote that Johnny Depp “is a vile human being.”
“Ed sheeran is not a girl’s girl… Johnny Depp is a vile human being,” they said.
This incident with Ed Sheeran highlights a broader trend of “guilt by association” in the entertainment industry. Celebrities who interact with or support Depp publicly are often subjected to scrutiny and criticism. Despite Depp’s loyal fandom and supporters, that hasn’t stopped others from wanting to cancel him and those who associate with him.
The debate over Depp’s exclusion from the Pirates franchise raises important questions about the ethics of blacklisting and the long-term impact of personal controversies on professional opportunities.
While Disney’s decision aligns with their effort to distance themselves from potential backlash, it also risks alienating a significant portion of the franchise’s fanbase who view Depp as irreplaceable in the role of Jack Sparrow.
Earlier this month, Johnny Depp accepted the Best Actor award for his role in Maïwenn’s historical drama Jeanne Du Barry at the National Film Awards. In his acceptance speech, Depp called his Hollywood career “sometimes tragic.”
“It’s always especially humbling when recognition for your endeavors comes directly from the hearts of the people, the hearts and minds who’ve joined me on this long mystical, magical, sometimes tragic – yet never boring journey,” Depp said. “I can’t thank you all enough for continuing to allow me to tell the stories that I feel are necessary to be told. And for having stuck with me and my curious collection of characters over these many years.”
Despite a career filled with a wide range of performances, from his beginnings in 21 Jump Street to the fantastical Edward Scissorhands (1990) to the darkly comedic Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), it is Captain Jack Sparrow that remains the hallmark of Johnny Depp’s illustrious career in Hollywood.
The criticism faced by Ed Sheeran and others underscores the challenges celebrities face in navigating public perception in the age of social media. The court of public opinion can be swift and unforgiving, often leading to reputational damage for those caught in the crossfire of high-profile disputes.
Currently, Ed Sheeran still has a good working relationship with Hollywood.
Ed Sheeran’s Disney+ documentary, Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All, offers an intimate look into the life and career of the globally renowned singer-songwriter. The documentary delves into Sheeran’s creative process, personal challenges, and the experiences that have shaped his music. It features candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, providing fans with unprecedented access to his journey from his early days in the music industry to becoming one of the world’s best-selling artists.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with these issues, the case of Johnny Depp serves as a poignant example of how personal controversies can overshadow professional achievements. Whether the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise can thrive without its iconic lead remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the legacy of Captain Jack Sparrow and the controversies surrounding his creator will continue to be a topic of intense debate.
You can stream Ed Sheeran’s documentary on Disney+.