Johnny Depp could return to Pirates of the Caribbean, former Disney exec says

After winning his high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard, a former Disney boss believes Johnny Depp could make a swift return to screens.

A former Disney executive has predicted that Johnny Depp, 58, could reprise his role of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

This comes off the back of his win against ex-wife Amber Heard, 36, in a high-profile defamation suit.

This week, a seven-person jury ruled in Depp’s favour, awarding him a total of $US10.35 million in damages. Heard was also awarded $US2 million.

Speaking to People, a former Disney executive described Depp as a “bankable Hollywood star” and believed a reboot was likely.

“I absolutely believe post-verdict that Pirates is primed for rebooting with Johnny as Captain Jack back on board,” they said.

“There is just too much potential box-office treasure for a beloved character deeply embedded in the Disney culture.”

Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Picture: Disney

While Disney did not comment on the People article, Depp himself has dismissed all notions of reappearing in a sixth Pirates of Caribbean film.

The Edward Scissorhands actor debuted in the role in 2003 in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

His portrayal of the lead character has also earned him several Academy Awards, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2004 and multiple MTV Movie Awards.

A Disney executive said Johnny Depp would likely be asked to return to the popular franchise. Picture: Disney

While being cross-examined during the defamation trial, Heard’s lawyer, Ben Rottenborn said, “The fact is, Mr Depp, if Disney came to you with $US300 million and a million alpacas, nothing on this earth would get you to go back and work with Disney on a Pirates of the Caribbean film? Correct?”

In response, Depp said, “That is true.”

Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer of the next Pirates instalment, also appeared hesitant when he was asked about the possibility in an interview with Dmarge.

The article, however, was published on May 20, ahead of the trial verdict.

When asked, he responded, “Not at this point. The future is yet to be decided.”

The prediction comes after Johnny Depp won his defamation trial. Picture: Valerie Macon/AFP

In a statement after the ruling, Depp said the verdict “gave me my life back”.

“I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the colossal support and kindness from around the world,” the statement read.

“I also hope that the position will now return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media.

“The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun.”

Amber Heard said she was ‘heartbroken’ by the ruling. Picture: Evelyn Hockstein/AFP

For Heard, she said the result was disappointed and “heartbroken,” and feared what the result would mean for women struggling with domestic violence.

“I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband,” she said.

“I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated.

“It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”