Disney may want to take a step back before moving forward with any more reboots—especially when it comes to Pirates of the Caribbean.
The studio has been circling the idea of a Depp-less Pirates for years, even hinting at a reboot with a new cast. But here’s the truth: fans aren’t having it. And if they need proof that going against the fanbase is a bad idea, they don’t have to look far.
Enter Rachel Zegler’s Snow White.
This film was supposed to be a major win for Disney—big budget, major stars, and a new take on a classic. But instead of applause, it was met with boos. The IMDb score dropped like a rock, sitting lower than infamous flops like Dragonball Evolution. How did it go so wrong? Simple: Disney misread the room and clearly didn’t listen to fans.
Before the film even opened, Zegler made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Her comments dismissing the original Snow White didn’t sit well with longtime fans. The backlash was immediate and intense. When people feel like a beloved story is being rewritten without care for what made it great, they tune out. And that’s exactly what happened.
Now let’s apply that lesson to Pirates. Johnny Depp isn’t just an actor who played a role—he’s the reason that franchise soared. Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the most beloved movie characters of the 21st century, and replacing him? It’s like replacing Mickey Mouse. Fans simply won’t go along for the ride.
The parallels are impossible to ignore. Snow White tanked because Disney thought it could override nostalgia with a new vision. Pirates risks doing the same if they go forward without Depp.
Fans have spoken—loudly. They want Johnny Depp back, and they’re not shy about saying so. With petitions, tweets, and full-on campaigns, they’ve made their stance clear. If Disney doesn’t listen again, they might find themselves staring down another box office disaster.
The takeaway? Don’t bet against your audience. And definitely don’t sail the Black Pearl without its captain.
I totally agree! A Pirate’s sequel without Johnny Depp is a recipe for complete failure! I refuse to spend my hard earned money to view the Snow White live action !! I am so sick and tired of the people who seem to think that all of the Disney fans will spend our money on anything as long as it is a Disney project. This is not true at all!!! We love the stories just as they are! Don’t change them! I enjoy the live action movies and I even enjoy the additional songs added but to change the actual story is a low blow to all of us who love CLASSIC DISNEY 💗 Leave the classics alone😡