Pirates 4 To Be The Last For Johnny Depp? [Updated]

Johnny Depp - Captain Jack Sparrow

We recently reported on the news that Disney Chairman Dick Cook had stepped down from his position at the company after many years, with the rumors for his departure ranging from voluntary to forced out by Disney CEO Bob Iger, who may have been unhappy with Cook’s (and the company’s) box office performance as of late. Whatever the reason, Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp has expressed his dissatisfaction and disappointment at the news, with it putting a damper on his enthusiasm for Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides.

Depp’s starring in Pirates 4 was brought into question, which led to further questions asking if there will even BE a Pirates 4 if Depp isn’t in it. Well, recently word (that, for some reason, flew under our radar around these parts) has been floating around by way of an exclusive tip over at Cinemablend that even if Depp DOES come back for a fourth Pirates movie, it’ll be his last, meaning he won’t stick around for Pirates 5 or 6.

UPDATE: Apparently Disney has promised that Depp will be back for the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Head here for details.

There’s been rumors going around that Pirates 4 is being planned to kick off a new trilogy, which probably means they have some sort of plan for what they want to do with 5 and 6. And I bet you those plans (even if they’re only plans, or even ideas at the moment) included Depp as Captain Jack. They’re probably already in the midst of drawing up a hefty check to pay Depp’s fee for doing Pirates 4, but beyond that, going by Cinemablend’s tip, they’ll have to pay him even MORE if he’s to do more installments after that.

So let’s just imagine for a minute that Pirates 4 is Depp’s last time playing Captain Jack Sparrow – what would that mean for the character and the franchise? I think if Depp turned his sights elsewhere (and let’s face it, he’ll get work no matter what), Disney would have a serious problem on their hands. Would they recast Captain Jack? I don’t think fans of the series would have any of that, as I think you’ll agree the essence of the character is brought to the table by Depp. Will they not include Captain Jack and bring in a new character that’ll hopefully capture the hearts of the Pirates franchise’s avid fans (something Cinemablend’s tip hints at)? I really don’t think the fans would have any of THAT, either.

Captain Jack Sparrow - Pirates of the Caribbean

What would Pirates of the Caribbean be without Johnny Depp?

Looking at the extreme case scenario – will there even BE a Pirates 5 and 6 if Depp isn’t in the picture? I think Disney would have a go at trying to make it work, and I think people would still end up seeing them because, hey, it’s Pirates of the Caribbean, one of the biggest (read: most profitable) film franchises around. Having said that, Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow is the absolute draw of the franchise, and it would be SORELY lacking without him. To be honest, I wouldn’t care one iota about a Pirates of the Caribbean if he wasn’t in it. I’m sorry, but he’s about the only thing that kept me interested throughout the messes that were Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End. Unless the On Stranger Tides rumored director, Rob Marshall, stays on for 5 and 6 and turns them into the Citizen Kanes of pirate movies, I won’t be interested when the time comes.

What’s your opinion on Depp’s uncertain Pirates of the Caribbean future? Do you think he’ll come back for Pirates 4 and then 5 and 6 after that? If he didn’t, what do you think Disney would do with the character and the franchise?

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is supposed to start filming next Spring, and has a general release date of Summer 2011.

Source: Cinemablend

Tags: pirates of the Caribbean 4

James

If Depp isn't in it, I'm not interested at all.

Whats going to draw me to the movie if Depp isnt in it? Bloom? If hes not in it, they should just stop.

James

Enough is enough with this political nonsense. If I was Johnny I would postpone filming Pirates 4 and instead begin filming the Dark Shadows movie which is being directed by Tim Burton. Now that is a project Warner Bros. would like to sink its teeth into and it does not have any apparent infighting going on.

Billie Jean Classen

ifthere is a 4 i wont watch it if johnny is not in it that the only reason i watched the other 3 johnny was in them

Sean

Johnny Depp will be in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, because with out him Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and Pirates of the Caribbean 6 wont happen!. Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer are going to try in all ways possible, including paying him unimaginable amounts of money to get him stay with the pirates franchise beyond Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides anyways!. Walt Disney Pictures could go bank Rumpt if Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and 6 don't happen!. As far as i know they're determined every time a new pirates of the caibbean movies is planned, to get Johnny Depp to teturn as Captain Jack Sparrow, and Maybe even Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa to return for that matter!. There is achance though, that who ever takes the charimen of disney spot "dick cook", might be able to get him to return, "if" they are able to convince him to do it for the fans and even for the money as well!, i mean hey!, who does not like getting paid alot of money, right?.

Tweeb

They may pull kind of a Princess Bride's "Dread Pirate Roberts" (new capn's as the same cap'n)or 007 vibe to keep it going.

If they give it a proper transition, I'd give it a chance without Depp. I like the stories.

The Pitt Man

There could be the introduction of a new character to take over in 5 & 6. Another high-profile mega-star of Depp's calibre to take the reigns.

Someone who can be:
Interesting
Physical
Funny
Dashing

A new reckless pirate to ravage to seven seas. Maybe a woman.

Tweeb

@Pitt man- who would you like to see? man and woman as pirate?

JOan

No Johnny No Pirates BYE BYE

Sean

@Tweeb and The Pitt Man -
Pirates of the Caribbean will not servive with out johnny depp. They wont make a pirates 5 and 6 with out johnny depp. He has already been in the first three movies and will be in the fourth movie, but since he's not returning for a fifth and sixth movie, they wont happen!. Sorry -.

The Pitt Man

@ Tweeb

I think with good writing, a woman could work. Maybe some woman was kidnapped by the pirates to use as they wished. After being at sea so long she becomes one of them and eventually takes command of the ship and kills the captain who took her.

Depp's a fine actor, but not the dramatic messiah. A good script, another good actor/actress... and voila. A relaunched refreshing pirates movie as good as the first.

I think of Esmeralda Villa Lobos, the taxi driver lady in Pulp Fiction.

Or Antonio Banderas maybe?

Tweeb

@Pitt- agreed. he's not the only actor who can play pirate.

you don't think Antonio is too old? I was thinking Milla (of course) for the chicky pirate...Im not sure on the Depp replacement.

The Pitt Man

@Tweeb

Milla would be tremendous. I think Colin Farrell has more chops than he gets credit for, even comedically. In Bruges was quite funny.

But an actor with that certain special something. Like Depp in the first (with a decent script)

I think Timothy Oliphant could be great as a pirate also. And another woman that could do it... ? Rosario Dawson.

Sean

Johnny Depp is the only actor who that can really take over the charactor captain jack sparrow. If you guys seriously think that anyone else can replace him, will then think again!. Absolutely no one will want to see the pirates movies if anyone else attmpts to play in johnny depp's foot steps as captain jack sparrow, it just wont work out!. Johnny depp is captain jack sparrow, no one else truely is that charactor!. Disney and Bruckheimer, will try very hard to keep him with the movies as hard as they can, because of johnny depp's ivolvement with the first three pirates of the caribbean movies!. Also because of how successful those movie are, they wont get better with out him they would get worse, and there wont be a pirates 5 and 6 if he is not there to be as captain jack sparrow, that is just common sense!.

Dave

No Johnny Depp, no Pirates. Anybody who thinks otherwise is a fool.

The Pitt Man

Attention: Depp is replacable.

Just kill off sparrow, and invent an entirely new character.

2 out of 3 pirates movies sucked royally, this studio is lucky to see another dime of my money. So I hope they reel me in with a real gritty pirate tail (obviously still suitable for children... disney and all)

There are a million and one pirate stories out there, and as many characters involved. Sparrow is not the end all and be all of pirate legends and Johnny Depp, I repeat, is not the dramatic messiah of Hollywood.

Sean

Dave, yes, I couldn't agree with more there!. But that only applies to pirates 5 and 6, and luckily not pirates of the caribbean 4. They were going to make a pirates 5 and 6 after pirates 4, but if johnny's not there, then there goes pirates of the caribbean 5 and 6 right down the drain!. They just wont happen after the fourth movie, but, if they can convince johnny depp to more after the fourth movie, then i would be totally surprised!. They would have to hire someone to take dick cooks place that would be just a much able to get johnny depp to return. But they better not cancel pirates 4, because if they do, then alot of people who that are still fans of these movies even after the third movie could be mad enough to never see a disney/bruckheimer movie ever again!.

Sean

No Pitt Man,
Johnny Depp can't be replacible, he is the best there is out there to play that charactor, no one else can play that charactor. They wont do another one after pirates of the caribbean 4, since johnny depp is no longer willing to play captain jack sparrow. That is mainly because of dick cooks departure from disney!.

Dave

Sorry Pitt but it was Johnny who made those films as good as they were and made part 2 and 3 bearable. With out him, there is no series.

Sean

Dave, since johnny depp and disney and bruckheimer are probably all aware of the fact that no one will want to see a pirates of the caribbean 5 and 6 with out him in them. They will will probably convince him to stay with the franchise, since no one will see them with out him in the future pirates of the caribbean movies!. If hes not in the pirates 5 and 6, then again, pirates 5 and 6 just wont happen at all.

Tweeb

thanks guys for your replies. We understand your opinions but there is a small minority here (apparently) that believes that the franchise COULD survive without Depp. Sorry that you don't agree.

@pitt- thomas jane? he has a decent range and he's not overdone like brad pitt. he can be pretty funny.

Tweeb

jack black LMAO!

Tweeb

maybe ryan reynolds or joaquin phoenix?

Sean

No Tweeb, no one can replace Johnny Depp!. I would never ever see a pirates of the caribbean 5 and 6 after pirates 4, if johnny depp does not return!. No other actor can play that charactor "captain jack Saprrow" better then then johnny depp!. They wont make another pirates of the caribbean movie with out johnny depp!.

Tweeb

@sean- honey. It's ok. I heard you. Maintain. I was having a discussion with someone ELSE.

Sean

Tweeb-

I totally understand that you were having a conversation with someone else, but i was just trying to say to you that johnny depp can't be replaced for pirates 5 and 6 and there just will not be a pirates 5 and 6 after pirates 4, if he is not returning!. Plus, he never did say he was quitting the franchise, all he said recently was that he was upset to see dick cook leave the walt disney pictures company!.

Tweeb

@sean- i know. I read every post you have made regarding it. and I validate you.

This is just kind of fantasy football if you will ;)

Let the "fools" make their picks.

Sara Crispi

Hey Johnny! Been a fan forever....since your days in 21 Jump Street. Admire & respect you for your perfection of your craft & characters along w/ living in France w/ your "soul mate" & children. Secret Window 2004 scared me to the core... saw a live stage production of Sweeney Todd in the late 70's early 80's in Philly. That scared me to the core too... bought your movie of same, however, haven't had the nerve to watch it. I know this is a futile attempt if you even get these comments but.....don't bail on Pirates....NO ONE ELSE COULD EVER PLAY CAPT'N JACK SPARROW....

Funny that I read this on a site for Robert Pattinson w/ Twilight...he reminds me of you w/ the projects he takes on...if he were cast as a "pirate," he'd do well, I'm sure, however, not as Capt'n Jack....a favor please, if the opportunity presents itself, meet him, guide him in the ways of diverting "Hollywood." The kid can't step out the door w/o being photographed. I truly feel for him.

Sara

Tweeb

ROTFL!!

Dear Santa...

The Pitt Man

@Tweeb

Tom Jane could be good there. Also, that british comic russell brand. Has the crassness and look.

To all Depp lovers:

Depp is a great actor.

He has created some of the more memorable charcaters on film.

Ed Wood has always been a favorite of mine, fantastic performance by both Depp and Landau. As far as Sparrow goes, the studios may let the character go after film 4, in lieu of a re-boot/ new pirate lead character.