There is talk of a Jack Sparrow cameo in the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, but this wouldn’t be doing the upcoming reboots any favors. The popular Disney franchise has been in a weird place for nearly a decade since the alleged firing of Johnny Depp meant that his iconic character couldn’t return. As the main character of all five Pirates of the Caribbean movies, it’s difficult to imagine another installment without him. However, a lot has changed, and it’s possible that Depp’s Jack Sparrow could be featured after all.

There are several Pirates of the Caribbean movies in the works at Disney. One has been toted as a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, while the other is said to feature actor Margot Robbie in the leading role. So far, there’s no word as to whether Depp’s Jack Sparrow would appear in either, though producer Jerry Bruckheimer has said that he would be happy to have the actor return. It will all depend on what Depp wants, but given the nature of both these Pirates of the Caribbean movies, it seems that his role would only be a cameo, and that might do more harm than good.

A Cameo Role Isn’t Enough For Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow

A Small Pirates Of The Caribbean Role Would Be An Insult To The Character

Jack Sparrow is a larger than life anti-hero who was built to be the leading role. The way his character was constructed was meant to put him as the center of attention, and it’s precisely this that has drawn audiences back to the theaters for multiple Pirates of the Caribbean installments. Depp’s character was the heart and soul of the Pirates of the Caribean franchise for five movies, and he has been the only constant character from film to film. Because of this, it would be highly uncomfortable for Jack Sparrow to be condensed into a minor cameo role.

If a Pirates of the Caribbean movie that features a whole new cast and storyline were to suddenly throw Jack Sparrow in as even a supporting role, it would quickly cheapen the experience. It was stated repeatedly throughout Depp’s legal trial with ex-wife Amber Heard that he had been barred from working on future Pirates movies, and the actor himself stated that he wouldn’t return to the franchise. After all this contention and controversy, tossing Depp’s Jack Sparrow in as an afterthought could only hurt a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and that’s the last thing the franchise needs.

Johnny Depp Playing A Supporting Role In A Pirates Of The Caribbean Movie Would Distract From The New Cast

A Jack Sparrow Cameo Wouldn’t Be Doing A New Pirates Of The Caribbean Movie Any Favors

Since it’s been so long since the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and given the controversy surrounding Depp’s departure, the upcoming reboot films need all the help it can get. A great cast is an absolute necessity, and the potential Robbie spinoff film is off to a great start. The actor’s recent Barbie success has made her more famous than ever, and her name on a Pirates of the Caribbean movie could be enough to make audiences forget their frustrations and buy a ticket. However, if Robbie is made to compete with Depp, this might not go over well.

A supporting character version of Jack Sparrow would stand out like a sore thumb in a potential Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. By his very nature, he would soak up all the attention, and Depp’s star power would only add to this. Therefore, if Disney wants audiences to accept new lead characters, Jack Sparrow would need to be either a lead character himself or left out entirely—most definitely not reduced to a cameo.

Jack Sparrow Should Be The Main POTC Character Or Not Appear At All

Jack Sparrow Needs One Last Movie As The Main Character

Disney must proceed with its Pirates of the Caribbean movies with the understanding that Depp’s Jack Sparrow is a show stealer and plan accordingly. Bruckheimer stated that Robbie’s Pirates movie is being prioritized, and with such a promising star, it would be best if Depp was left out of this film entirely. However, the possible Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is a different story. This could be the last chance to give Jack Sparrow a proper send-off, concluding his story and ending Depp’s time with the franchise in a way that doesn’t leave such a bad taste in everyone’s mouths.

If Depp stars in one last Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and Robbie sets up a string of new movies, then the franchise’s future could be far brighter. After some years pass and audiences grow used to Pirates movies led by other characters, then a cameo from Depp’s Jack Sparrow could be far easier to swallow. For now, however, this iconic character deserves to get all the attention or be left in peace.