Johnny Depp has played the iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in 5 Pirates of the Caribbean films. Jerry Bruckheimer had high praise for the actor.

Johnny Depp has been known for his knack for portraying unconventional characters throughout his career. The actor has never been comfortable with being typecast in one specific genre. His films like Edward Scissorhands, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Sleepy Hollow, and his collaborations with Tim Burton proved that he thrived through wild transformations and drastically different characters.

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean film | Walt Disney Pictures
His most popular role is as Captain Jack Sparrow in the hit Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Depp became synonymous with the character and fans do not see anyone who could do justice to the legacy he created. For producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Captain Jack Sparrow was purely Depp’s creation and would certainly bring him back if it was up to him.

Johnny Depp Made Captain Jack Sparrow His Own And Created Magic Out Of It

Johnny Depp’s successful run as Jack Sparrow continued with Dead Men’s Chest and 3 other films | Walt Disney Pictures
By the 2000s, Johnny Depp was a big star who had impressed both critics and audiences with his unique choices of films and the undeniable charm that he puts in every role. He was already a giant heartthrob among female fans and his stardom would further be catapulted with his leading role in the first Pirates of the Caribbean film.

For a film based on a popular ride in Disney theme parks, no one expected the film to work. However, the success of the film spawned a highly successful franchise and made Depp a major movie star. His portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow would become a historic casting decision and the actor would become synonymous with the character.

Captain Jack Sparrow has some wild antics and specific character traits that have made him a beloved character and fans have always believed that Depp improvised most of Jack’s quirky traits. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that Depp created the character from scratch, making the character a mix of Pepé Le Pew and Keith Richards. He said,

It’s a reboot, but if it was up to me, he would be in it, I love him. He’s a good friend. He’s an amazing artist and he’s a unique look. He created Captain Jack. That was not on the page, that was him doing a little Pepé Le Pew and Keith Richards. That was his interpretation of Jack Sparrow.

Creating something special out of one’s own creative intuition is an actor’s dream and Depp deliciously came up with an endlessly fun character that audiences never get tired of. He elevated the ordinary script that did not have the richness of Jack and it speaks to his talent as a performer. While the franchise is going for a reboot, Bruckheimer still wants Depp back in the role as he’s simply irreplaceable.

Jerry Bruckheimer Hopes That His Two Pirates of the Caribbean Movies Get Made

Johnny Depp last played the iconic role in 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales | Walt Disney Pictures
Johnny Depp carried the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise for five successful films from 2003 to 2017. While there were plans for a sixth film with Depp, plans changed and the actor’s legal issues caused him to be dropped from the franchise. The studio has announced plans for a reboot film along with a female-centric spinoff led by Margot Robbie.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jerry Bruckheimer expressed his hopes of getting them both made. The reboot is written by Jeff Nathanson, while the female spinoff will be scripted by Christina Hodson. The producer and Disney are equally enthusiastic about the two projects and are working on making them happen soon. Bruckheimer said,

It’s two different movies. We hope to get ’em both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot one, too

The producer also updated fans on the status of the reboot film, stating that Nathanson has cracked a fantastic third act for the film. While fans will be sad that Depp is not returning to the franchise, it will be interesting to see how the franchise moves forward with these two films. Fans can watch Depp’s Pirates of the Caribbean films on Disney+.