The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has long been one of Disney’s most lucrative and beloved properties, thanks to the unforgettable performance of Johnny Depp as the eccentric and swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow. While the film franchise itself has hit some rough waters in recent years, with Depp’s legal battles overshadowing his future as the character, Disney’s decision to introduce a new stage show featuring the famed pirate offers a ray of hope for fans eager to keep the legacy of Jack Sparrow alive.
This morning, Disney Parks released an announcement about Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen, a brand-new stage show that will debut aboard the upcoming Disney Adventure cruise ship. However, the post was quickly removed from the Disney Parks X account, leaving some fans wondering if there was more to the story behind the scenes. While the social media post was taken down, Disney’s official blog post remains active, confirming the new addition to the Disney Cruise Line experience.
Set to take the stage aboard the Disney Adventure, which is set to embark on its maiden voyage in December 2025, Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen promises an exciting new chapter for the franchise, albeit in a format that is different from the movies. The new show will feature Captain Jack Sparrow and his loyal pirate crew battling an ink-squirting giant squid while hunting for a rare treasure. Fans can expect a high-energy performance packed with adventure, humor, and the charismatic antics of Jack himself.
For many, this marks an exciting return to the world of Pirates of the Caribbean, but in a new context. While the stage show is a fresh direction for the brand, it highlights Disney’s enduring commitment to the franchise, which has included everything from theme park attractions like the popular Pirates of the Caribbean rides to video game appearances in titles like Fortnite and Sea of Thieves.
Scott Gustin also shared the news on X, “Disney Cruise Line shared new details about “Duffy and The Friend Ship” and Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen” – two new shows that will debut on the Disney Adventure when it sets sail from Singapore later this year.”
Disney Cruise Line shared new details about “Duffy and The Friend Ship” and Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen” – two new shows that will debut on the Disney Adventure when it sets sail from Singapore later this year. pic.twitter.com/t7SnSn50o5
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) February 17, 2025
But why was the post removed so quickly, and does it signify any deeper issues related to the future of the Pirates franchise or Johnny Depp’s involvement? While the reasons behind the removal remain unclear, the fact that the original press release remains active suggests that Disney is still moving forward with the show, despite any confusion caused by the social media deletion. It’s a sign that Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen could be the beginning of a new chapter for Jack Sparrow—and for Disney’s relationship with the character.
Depp’s Return to Pirates — Could Jack Sparrow Set Sail Once More?
The question that’s been looming over Pirates of the Caribbean since the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017: will Johnny Depp return as Captain Jack Sparrow? While Disney has been tight-lipped about Depp’s potential return to the series, whispers have circulated in recent months, hinting at the possibility that Jack Sparrow could make a comeback—albeit under very specific circumstances.
The franchise’s future has been uncertain for several years now, particularly in light of Depp’s highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. Following his personal and professional turmoil, many questioned whether Disney would be willing to work with Depp again. However, in an interview from 2023, Pirates producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that two scripts were currently in development for the franchise—one of which could potentially feature Depp’s return as Captain Jack Sparrow, should the actor decide to come back.
This revelation has ignited speculation among fans, with many wondering if Depp’s iconic pirate character could once again make a return to the big screen. Depp himself has not publicly commented on whether he would reprise the role, but the idea that the door is still open for him is enough to keep hopes alive for those who have long championed the actor’s portrayal of the infamous captain.
It’s clear that Disney and Bruckheimer are working hard to keep the Pirates franchise alive. In addition to the new stage show, the company is also planning a reboot of the series, with actress Margot Robbie slated to star in a new iteration that will bring fresh characters and stories to the table. This reboot is expected to give the franchise a much-needed infusion of new energy while still maintaining the swashbuckling spirit that made the original films so successful. For fans of Depp’s Jack Sparrow, however, the hope remains that the beloved pirate will return in some capacity, whether it’s through a direct sequel to Dead Men Tell No Tales or in a new film altogether.
It’s a testament to Depp’s legacy within the franchise that his potential return is still being discussed, even as the series looks to expand in new directions.
Orlando Bloom and the Future of Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean
While Johnny Depp’s return as Captain Jack Sparrow is still uncertain, one actor who seems more open to returning to the Pirates universe is Orlando Bloom. Bloom, who portrayed the heroic blacksmith-turned-pirate Will Turner across the first four Pirates films, has indicated that he would be open to reprising his role, especially if the story called for it.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bloom addressed the possibility of returning to the role of Will Turner. The actor revealed that he had heard from producer Jerry Bruckheimer about the ongoing development of new Pirates projects, but did not provide any concrete details about what the future holds. Nevertheless, Bloom expressed his fondness for the Pirates experience, stating, “It was a wild and fun experience, so, you know, never say never.”
Unlike Depp, who has been embroiled in legal and professional controversy, Bloom’s relationship with Disney appears to be much smoother, leaving the door open for a potential return to the franchise. The character of Will Turner was last seen in the post-credits scene of Dead Men Tell No Tales, where he was shown as the cursed captain of the Flying Dutchman. Fans have long speculated that this storyline could be expanded in a future Pirates installment, and Bloom’s willingness to revisit the role suggests that there may be a future for Will Turner in the world of Pirates of the Caribbean.
While the Pirates franchise has explored many different storylines and characters, Will Turner remains one of the key figures in the saga. The potential return of Bloom to the series would undoubtedly excite fans, as it would offer a chance to revisit the character’s ongoing journey—and perhaps resolve some lingering plotlines from the earlier films.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pirates of the Caribbean?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Johnny Depp’s involvement, there’s no doubt that the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise remains an integral part of Disney’s identity. The announcement of Captain Jack Sparrow & The Siren Queen for the Disney Adventure cruise ship proves that the swashbuckling world of pirates is far from over, and Disney is determined to keep the magic of Jack Sparrow alive in new and exciting ways.
Looking ahead, the future of Pirates seems to be taking two distinct paths: one with a potential reboot starring Margot Robbie, and another possibly exploring the continuation of the original saga with Depp and Bloom. While the reboot is expected to introduce fresh stories and characters, the continued demand for Depp’s Jack Sparrow and the possibility of Bloom’s Will Turner returning suggests that Disney may not be ready to completely move on from the original Pirates world just yet.
Whether through stage shows, films, or other media, the Pirates of the Caribbean legacy shows no signs of slowing down. Fans will no doubt be eagerly awaiting news of Depp’s return, while also looking forward to what new adventures lie ahead for Will Turner and the rest of the beloved crew. Whatever path Disney chooses to take, one thing is certain: the high seas are still a thrilling place for adventure—and Jack Sparrow and his crew will forever remain part of the ride.
