What Happened to Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
The sixth installment of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise has been in development for years, undergoing multiple script changes and creative shifts. As of August 2026, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed ongoing discussions with Johnny Depp for his potential return as Captain Jack Sparrow, while a new screenplay is being developed by Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott, potentially incorporating a greater focus on a character portrayed by Margot Robbie.
Quick Answer
As of August 2026, 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' is actively in development with producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirming talks with Johnny Depp for his return as Captain Jack Sparrow. Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott are currently writing the screenplay, which may also feature Margot Robbie in a central role. The project has seen several creative iterations since 2017, with Disney aiming to revitalize the beloved pirate saga.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Released
The fifth installment of the franchise, directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, is released, grossing nearly $796 million worldwide and setting the stage for future films.
Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick Hired
Disney brings on 'Deadpool' writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick to pen the script for a new 'Pirates' film, signaling a fresh creative direction for the series.
Reese and Wernick Depart Project
Writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick exit the 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' project, leaving its development status uncertain.
Margot Robbie Project Announced
Reports emerge of a separate 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film in development, with Margot Robbie attached to star in a female-led reboot, written by Christina Hodson.
Johnny Depp's Defamation Trial Concludes
Johnny Depp's highly publicized defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard concludes, with the jury largely siding with Depp, impacting public perception and his career trajectory.
Depp Keeps Door Open for Return
Sources close to Johnny Depp indicate that 'anything is possible' regarding his potential return to the 'Pirates' franchise, despite previous statements.
Bruckheimer Confirms Depp Discussions
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer tells Entertainment Weekly he has spoken with Johnny Depp about reprising his role and believes Depp 'would do it,' though it depends on the screenplay.
Bruckheimer Confirms Two Scripts, Robbie Project
Jerry Bruckheimer confirms to TheWrap that producers had developed two scripts at one point, and that reports of Margot Robbie circling a project were true.
Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott Announced as Writers
It is widely reported that 'The Last of Us' co-creator Craig Mazin and veteran 'Pirates' screenwriter Ted Elliott are developing the script for 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6'.
Jerry Bruckheimer Confirms Depp Talks at D23
At Disney's D23 expo, producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirms that discussions are underway with Johnny Depp for his return as Captain Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6', stating a screenplay is being worked on.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The journey to 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' has been a protracted one, marked by shifting creative directions and significant external factors. Following the release of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' in 2017, which grossed nearly $796 million worldwide, Disney expressed interest in continuing the highly successful franchise, which has collectively earned approximately $4.5 billion globally.
Initial efforts to develop a sixth film saw 'Deadpool' writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick attached to the project in 2018, signaling a potential fresh take. However, they departed the project in early 2019, leading to a period of uncertainty regarding the film's direction. The franchise's future became further complicated by the highly publicized legal battles involving star Johnny Depp, who portrays the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow. While Depp was a central figure in the franchise's success, his legal issues led to speculation about his future involvement, with some reports suggesting Disney was looking to reboot the series without him.
A significant turning point came with the announcement that 'The Last of Us' co-creator Craig Mazin and franchise veteran Ted Elliott, who co-wrote the first four 'Pirates' films, were brought on board to develop a new script. This move, confirmed by April 2026 reports, indicated a renewed push for the project. Mazin has teased a "really cool story" they've developed. Concurrently, producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed in September 2025 that a separate 'Pirates' project, potentially starring Margot Robbie, was also in development. This led to speculation about two distinct films or a convergence of ideas.
As of August 16, 2026, the most recent and significant development came from Jerry Bruckheimer at Disney's D23 expo. He confirmed that discussions are actively underway with Johnny Depp regarding his return as Captain Jack Sparrow. Bruckheimer stated, "We're talking to Johnny. We're working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done." While Depp's return is contingent on the script and how his character is written, Bruckheimer has consistently expressed his desire to see Depp reprise the role. Reports also suggest that the current screenplay might shift focus, potentially centering on Margot Robbie's character with Depp's Sparrow appearing in a supporting capacity, indicating a blend of the previously separate project ideas. The film remains in active development, with no official release date or confirmed cast beyond the ongoing discussions. (Source: The Times of India, 2026; ScreenRant, 2026; TheWrap, 2026; The Express Tribune, 2026)
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Pirates of the Caribbean 6 made different choices?