When it comes to Disney fans’ strong opinions, there a few topics that have been high on the list recently. The classic Disney ride called Splash Mountain is most certainly one of them — but another is the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and the absence of Captain Jack Sparrow (the roguishly charming pirate played by controversial actor Johnny Depp).
Disney Fanatic has kept a close eye on any news pertaining to Pirates 6 or any other plans that Disney might have for the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise — including a recent upset when Australian actress Margot Robbie confirmed that her Pirates 6 movie is not actually happening anymore — and unfortunately, rumors are spreading of another new development that does not bode well for Captain Jack Sparrow and his friends.
According to a report from Fandom Wire, the Pirates of the Caribbean spin-off series that was being planned for the streaming service Disney+ is no more. According to the report, “Disney decided to scrap the spin-off.”
Furthermore, Johnny Depp and his central role as Captain Jack Sparrow has apparently meant that Disney will face a serious challenge if the company tries to make a Pirates of the Caribbean movie without Captain Jack Sparrow playing a part in it.
According to the report, “Johnny Depp is considered the face of the franchise. And since the studio dropped the actor following the accusations of domestic abuse, fans have also made it clear that they don’t want another film in the franchise without the Jack Sparrow actor.”
It is certainly true that Disney fans have been very vocal about their support of Johnny Depp (during the Depp vs Heard trial, which involved Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard) and their plans to boycott any non-Captain-Jack-Sparrow movies that are released as part of the franchise.
Fans have signed many petitions, showed their support for Captain Jack Sparrow through Halloween costumes, and continued to berate Disney for its rejection of Johnny Depp even months after the Depp vs Heard trial.
If this report is true, as it is rumored to be, then this could, unfortunately, mean an end to any new Pirates of the Caribbean content at all — and since pirate stories tend to be rife with adventure, this would truly be a shame for movie-goers! However, this report also completely contradicts another rumor that has been spreading — one that supposedly indicates a continuation of the franchise, and the return of Captain Jack Sparrow.
Which is true? Time will tell!