Disney Erases Johnny Depp From 'Pirates of the Caribbean'

After years of rumors about Margot Robbie, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and other Hollywood stars taking over the role of Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6, the Walt Disney Studios franchise appears to have officially cut ties with Johnny Depp.

As part of Disney100: The Exhibition, a traveling showcase of The Walt Disney Company’s history, Walt Disney Archives displayed props from multiple Pirates of the Caribbean films for the first time. They included a costume worn by Geoffrey Rush (Hector Barbossa) in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) and a prop ship in a bottle that Ian McShane used in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011).

A prop ship in a bottle on display that was used by Ian McShane in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.' — Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

None of Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean props or costumes were on exhibit, despite his involvement in five films. But Disney isn’t the only one cutting ties. The Edward Scissorhands (1990) star allegedly refused an offer to return to the franchise after winning his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard.

A costume worn by Geoffrey Rush as Hector Barbossa on display. — Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

As an introduction to the Pirates of the Caribbean displays, the Walt Disney Archives shared the history of the on-screen scallywags. The message teased a sixth film in the beloved franchise but excluded Depp’s name from its narrative.

“Perhaps Disney’s most indelible pirates appear in the popular Pirates of the Caribbean film series (2003-2017): the irrepressible light-hearted Captain Jack Sparrow and his loyal first mate Joshamee Gibbs, the ferocious Captain Hector Barbossa, the supernatural Davy Jones, the dark-souled Blackbeard, and the nefarious Captain Salazar,” Disney wrote. “And there are pirate women, too: Blackbeard’s daughter Angelica, a dangerous master of disguise, and Elizabeth Swann, who transitions from her role in life as a governor’s daughter to Pirate King.”

“Are there more piratical adventures to come?” they concluded. “‘Dead men tell no tales.’”

A sign welcoming guests to the pirate-themed section of the Disney100 expedition. — Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Amid Disney CEO Bob Iger’s promise for more diverse representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 may follow suit with a female lead. Though Robbie is unlikely to lead the franchise as initially rumored, insiders say multiple actors are in talks to replace the Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) star.

Walt Disney Studios hasn’t confirmed any information about Pirates of the Caribbean 6. No official release date is scheduled, and the script is allegedly stuck in early development.

The Mad Hatter's teapot in a display case with a note indicating it was used by Johnny Depp. — Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic

Depp isn’t entirely absent from Disney100: The Exhibition. In another one of its ten galleries, the exhibit features a teapot used by the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) star in Alice in Wonderland (2010) and Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016).

This limited-time touring experience will travel North America and worldwide for the next five years. Having already visited Berlin, Germany, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Disney100: The Exhibition is currently in Chicago, Illinois, and London, England. Its next North American stop will be in Kansas City, Missouri; no upcoming international cities have been announced.

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