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,

Sean

sorry, i ment, more "after" pirates of the caribbean 3 in the middle of my previous reply to you there!, sorry. I mis-typed there!.

Sean

Ashley, they wont make a "on stranger tides" Pirates movie, with out johnny depp!, they just wont!. Because they all know that he is the one and only reason why those pirates of the caribbean movie do so amazingly well in the theaters and in stores when their finally released to dvd and blu ray disc!.

J.M.Yoda, Yes!, they need to definately keep him in the disney pirates movies, because first of all, those movies are too good to stop making them!, and secondly, there are too many fans of that franchise to disappoint by announcing that there will not be any more pirates of the caribbean 3, because NO!, there really will be more pirates of the caribbean movies, even after the third movie that has already been released, and was very successful!. When the first few movie of a future franchise are successful, theres bound to be more coming!!!!.

ashley

johnny depp is a great actor in the series pirate of the carribbean and if he is not acting in the movie on stranger tides it wont be the same and it will lose intrest easy.

J.M.Yoda

POTC wouldn' work without JD.

However I agree with DarthMalnu (A Jedi Master agrees with a Sith Lord? The Horror!) Depp indeed needs to take a break from Disney and Burton and try ACTING again. Remember when he did offbeat movies like "Benny and Joon" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?".

IMHO Tim Burton lost his mojo a long time ago. Sure he'll do a wonderful movie like "Big Fish" but then he does needless (and soulless) remakes like "Planet of the Apes" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Pashaw!

As for Depp and POTC I think as long as Disney keeps writing the outlandishly huge checks JD will continue to shill. And yes I think he enjoys being a hero to the kiddies.

Sean

The official disney movie website called disney.go.com has a walt disney pictures section on thier website, where they advertise all their upcoming movies, that are yet to be released to theaters, and now they already have pirates of the caribbean: on stranger tides up on there, but the movie trailer is not released yet for it, it's just the movie trailer slot for it has been released for the movie trailer future official spot, and on there it currently says "summer 2011", as its tentitative release date period for the movie itself to be released to movie theaters on that date, and if thats the case, then the best and most likely timing that pirates of the caribbean: on stranger tides would be released to theaters on, is on "July 8th, 2011 Friday", because first of all, may is not in the summer but, june, july and august are in that time of year, and if anything, the way that the previous three movies have be released so far to movie theaters, this upcoming pirates movie will be released on that date that i've just mentioned above!, hense the fact that summer does not start in may, but in june, and july is in the middle of the summer, so thats perfect timing to release pirates of the caribbean: on stranger tides, thats why it says on pirates 4's official logo poster this ---> ("summer 2011") !.

Sean

Rebecca, johnny depp and geoffrey rush are the only one returning as captain jack sparrow and captain barbossa!. The will and elizabeth story is over!. I'm sure there will be plenty of new characters and their might even be a new will and elizabeth type of couple to take will and elizabeths place in the new upcoming pirates of the caribbean movie, called pirates of the caribbean: on stranger tides. Johnny depps jack sparrow might even be one them!, with a new pirates wife or girlfriend get people to forget about william and elizabeth from the first three movies!.

Rebecca Turner

well sorry as much as i completely love pirates of the carribean if you take captain Jack away what will you really be left with.... A BAD FILM come on he is the most funniest character in the film if he's not there it will no longer be the epic funny drama that we all love and i do wish that will and elizabeth would come back because orlando is hot! and we need more turners!if the film has none of these then there's no point in there being another one so JHONNY STAY IN WE ALL WANT YOU! :D

Sean

WarMonger64,
He will not be replaced!. He will not be replaced because if he is then no one will want to bother to go and see the pirates movies!. Or in other words, what would be the point in see it then, with out him there in the movie, in the first place?!.

WarMonger64

I don't get what's the thing with "replace Depp".

In POTC, he CANNOT be replaced. He is the essense
of the movies. It would be like having an Indiana
Jones movie without Harrison Ford. It simply does
not work.

And more stupid "making a POTC film without Sparrow."
A woman pirate? Women as pirates do not work. Keira
Knightley proved that thousand times over. And having
a new lead character? That's not POTC. That's something
completely different.

To the idiots that suggested the above - go lay out your
stupid fantasies somewhere else. I don't care if Pirates
4 is the last. What matters to me is that it's a worthy
film. Make it one that will leave people with good memories
and Depp can leave the franchise to rest in peace at last,
knowing he had given the people a good show.

Make it a standalone movie with a great A to B storyline,
make an entertaining film and wrap up the Pirates franchise
with a worthy last movie and lasting good impressions.

Sean

Yeah, but what if there is more time on screen in the fourth movie for jack sparrow and barbossa, and no more elizabeth and will on screen a all?, that would actaully be my ideal pirates of the caribbean 4 movie!. I hope that, thats the way the pirates of the caribbean 4 will be like because some people out there, i'm also tired of the whole will and elizabeth scene parts, those parts of the first three movies, kinda sorta ruined it for there being the chance of have more jack sparrow and barbossa scene where those two have more scenes in those movies, where they do more ship attacking, sword fighting and pirating and so on and so forth!. Those parts of those movie are the best parts, and the supernatural parts are really good part too, that we need to see more of, which i think we luckily will see more that in pirates of the caribbean 4.

PoshJohnny

Did someone say the most insane idea in this hemisphere? (Besides having Bush "elected" twice).....POTC IS JOHNNY, as we patently all know. I mean the Keith thing was cool, but give him more screen time--and please, "KILL THE WELP", Geoffrey Rush, Bill Nighy, Kevin McNally: more screen time, too, major actors there. Johnny is a stand man and no doubt will do what is within his integrity. Track record proves it (i.e. he hated Jumpstreet) Don' forget: he does all this galavanting and dealing for US. Of course, we'll love him in return.

Sheri

I'm just a Depp follower, doesn't matter the role. I haven't been disappointed yet=)

Sean

@Darth Malnu -

No, you mis-understood me!, what i said was, he'll do the fourth movie for all the kids out there who would want to see another pirates of the caribbean movie, with johnny depp in it as captain jack sparrow!.

@Danii-

The fourth movie will have johnny depp in it as captain jack sparrow, but there is a high possibility that there wont even be a pirates 5 and 6 anyways!.

Danii

I think that pirates would not be the same with Johnny! I wouldnt go and see it!

DarthMalnu

You know, I totally agree... I think that Johnny Depp absolutely---

Wait- did that say CHILDREN?? oops.

I read it as "Johnny Depp adores MILLIONS"

.......of dollars.

..$$$.

Sean

@Lu-

Lu, I absolutely agree with there!. I also think that just for all kids out there, johnny depp will decide to continue with the captain jack sparrow character in pirates of the caribbean 5 and pirates of the caribbean 6, so that no young fans of this disney movie franchise will be disappointed to no longer see him in a pirates of the caribbean movie!. He has visited childrens hospitals before dressed up as captain jack sparrow, and i'm sure that most or all the kids there, have asked him several times if he is going to come back as captain jack sparrow in a "pirates of the caribbean 4", so that right there, is probably pretty much a "ding ding ding" (bell noise) going on in his mind to think "o.k. yes i am coming back in a pirates of the caribbean 4 as captain jack sparrow for all kids", because they love that pirates character so much that plays in the pirates of the caribbean movies!.

Lu

I think there is something else that people are not taking into consideration. Johnny adores children. He often visits children's hospitals as Jack and they are thrilled. I think that this would mean a lot more to him in making any decision to carry on with the movie or/and the franchise. Also, I have never see him put a paycheck before his integrity. So, I doubt Disney could buy him. He would have better reason than money to do it. I say his fans love of the character and the way children feel will keep him in.

Tweeb

Amen @DarthMalnu! I was hesitant to say that myself to avoid getting the smack down over here.

Tim Burton stuff is getting pretty tiresome. Its time to seperate the twins.

DarthMalnu

I think that Depp has to stay away from both Disney and Tim Burton for a while and start doing that "acting" thing I've heard he's good at... the man needs a challenge.

Ben R

(sorry for the second post) . . . That would allow Disney to take the franchise in a completely different direction, setting up a new trilogy perhaps as they were planning on. Personally speaking, while Depp definitely is the main draw for the franchise, Rush as Barbossa was by far the closest thing to second place and wouldn't be too disappointed to see more of him in a lead role.

That all being said, it definitely would still be a tragedy for the franchise if Depp doesn't return, I'm sure we can all agree on that.

Ben R

Depending on how Pirates 4 turns out I think that the best possible thing they could do with 5 and 6 should Depp not return would be to have Geoffrey Rush step in and take the lead down a different path with Captain Barbossa as the primary character.

Ashiko

I think that he'll come back if they pay him enough for it, but if he doesn't and they try to go for it anyway, they'll just end up killing off his character in some stupid way. But I doubt I'll see it if they take him out, or at least I won't pay to see it. He makes the movies, there would be no POTC craze without him, and I think they owe him a lot for it.

Sean

Tomas, i totally agree with you there with what you said!. Disney needs to have a meeting with bruckheimer and johnny depp, and they all need to make sure that they are going to make the movie with johnny depp in it, and if not, then don't make the movie at all !. But i would say they do need to make the movie, and especially with johnny depp in it or there will be alot of disappointed and p-o'd fans out there, including myself!, if they don't go throgh with making the movie, and having johnny depp in it as captain jack sparrow!

TomÃ¡s

No Depp no way I will go see the movies if they are made. Disney is a mess. They gave up Lords of the Rings and look at what they lost. They give up Depp their stock should drop to 2 cents a share. That's my 2 cents worth.

Sean

Yes, I also would love to see a very well done potc movie with a great story in it. I feel confindent that the fourth movie will be good, because they are intentionally going to go for a fresh new story in the fourth movie, but it will be a continuation to the story of the third movie as well, at the same time!. Thats because of the whole "fountain of youth" part of it!, which sounds to be like a good part for the story to me for a pirates movie!. The ending of the third movie gave me the clue to what the fourth movie is going to be about, way before the movie websites all over the internet caught up with that!. Because, people saw it before they started to talk about it all over movie websites, and then after they saw it, then after that is now, where rumors and possible true facts are being said about the fourth movie as we speak on the internet!. Pretty interesting isn't it?!. I definately think so!.

790

Well I hope your right Sean,,, ;-)

I would love a good Pirates film.

Sean

Well 790, at least walt disney pictures company and jerry bruckheimer films company are going to still release it, and johnny depp will still be in it, and at least the fourth movie will be as good as the first movie, because, the the writers ted elliott and terry rossio are going to lighten up the story alot to make feel more orginal as like the first movie was, when it was first released!. That way, it'll be just as good as the first movie!, which is a good thing for the fans of this movie franchise!.

790

What would "Pirates" be without Depp? Well the last 2 films were chaotic at best. I'm glad he's moving on from the mess POC has turned into...
At this point Depp doesn't need the money anyway I'm sure he's looking toward selecting roles that fit his lifestyle, more now then ever,,,
The first "Pirates of the Caribbean" was great! The sequels are a waste of time. (IMO)

Sean

Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films are most likely going to prevent Johnny Depp from being replaced in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, because if this does turn out to be his last Pirates of the Caribbean movie, then this will be his last chance to bring back this movie franchise back down to its original core and essense that it had way back in 2003 with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, that movie was best one, because it was the original pirates of the caribbean movie, that was originally suppost to be a "stand alone movie!".