Could Johnny Depp Really Return as Captain Jack Sparrow?

Just days after actor Johnny Depp emerged victorious in his dual defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, a former Disney executive has come forward suggesting that fans might very well see the Mouse House restore the original Captain Jack Sparrow to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

“I absolutely believe post-verdict that Pirates is primed for rebooting with Johnny as Capt. Jack back on board,” the former exec told PEOPLE. “There is just too much potential box-office treasure for a beloved character deeply embedded in the Disney culture.

Other unnamed Hollywood insiders have also shared their input, arguing both possible sides of Depp’s future in the franchise after recent coverage has pointed to a reboot of the entire series starring Margot Robbie.

Depp’s agent claimed that he was set to make a sixth unnamed Pirates movie once completed with the latest installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales, but the allegations came out mid-production. Depp was soon dropped by Disney, losing the potential $22.5 million he would have been paid for that final film.

It should be noted that Depp spoke about his departure and the possibility of returning to Pirates and Disney while on the stand during his trial. Depp shared his severe heartbreak on the matter and confirmed that he would not return to the role for $300 million. Depp introduced Captain Jack Sparrow to the world in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003.

Related: Fans Reject ‘Pirates 6’ without Johnny Depp

At this point, these are words from a former employee of The Walt Disney Company, and there has been no official word on the matter from Disney or Depp. Only time will be able to tell what happens.

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to monitor this story and will update our readers as more developments come to light.

All five Pirates of the Caribbean movies are available for streaming now on Disney+.