Credit: DisneyJohnny Depp just can’t seem to escape the spotlight—whether he wants to or not. After years of legal battles, career turbulence, and a slow climb back into Hollywood, the actor is once again making headlines. This time, it’s not just about a possible return to one of his most iconic roles as Captain Jack Sparrow, but also about an unfortunate situation involving his dog.
Trouble in Sussex
According to reports, Depp’s bullmastiff, Bourbon, attacked and killed two sheep in Sussex while out on a walk with one of the actor’s associates. Depp wasn’t present during the incident, but it still managed to stir up controversy. Sources noted that Depp was deeply upset and immediately offered to pay for the damages, even going as far as hiring a trainer to prevent something like this from happening again.
It’s not the first time Depp’s pets have made headlines. Back in 2015, his two Yorkshire Terriers were reportedly nearly put down in Australia after he brought them into the country without the proper documentation. Australian authorities gave him 72 hours to remove the dogs, sparking an international spectacle at the time. Between that old scandal and this latest mishap, it seems like Depp’s animals have had a way of landing him in awkward headlines.
A Pirate’s Return?
At the same time, Depp’s name is back in the conversation for something fans have been waiting years to hear: a possible Pirates of the Caribbean comeback. Franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed in a recent interview that he’s spoken with Depp about reprising his role as Jack Sparrow in Pirates 6.
“If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it,” Bruckheimer said, adding that the script is still in the works. While nothing is finalized, the mere idea of Depp’s return has ignited speculation among fans who argue the franchise isn’t the same without him.
Depp headlined five Pirates films between 2003 and 2017, with two of them grossing over $1 billion worldwide. The quirky, rum-loving Jack Sparrow became one of the most recognizable characters in modern cinema. Despite that, Disney distanced itself from Depp after his legal troubles, including his libel trial against The Sun and the widely covered U.S. trial involving ex-wife Amber Heard.
Now, with Depp slowly regaining footing in Hollywood—including his upcoming film Day Drinker—the possibility of him donning Sparrow’s tattered hat again feels closer than ever.
Balancing Scandal and Stardom
The timing of these two stories—one about personal controversy, the other about professional redemption—captures the strange duality of Depp’s career. On one hand, he’s still linked to unpredictable headlines that remind the public of his messy past. On the other, the sheer weight of his star power and the loyalty of his fanbase make him a candidate for a blockbuster return.
For Disney, it’s a gamble. Bringing Depp back could inject instant excitement into Pirates of the Caribbean 6, a film that’s been stuck in development limbo for years. But it also risks reigniting debates about his personal controversies.
As it stands, Depp finds himself in familiar territory: under scrutiny, but still very much in demand. Whether he’s remembered for the sheep in Sussex or for resurrecting Captain Jack Sparrow may depend on what Disney and Depp decide in the months to come.