Disney Pirates of the Caribbean exit and studio fallout
Variety and Guardian covered a reboot path without Jack Sparrow. At the 2022 trial an agent described a catastrophic career impact after @amberheard's op-ed. Cannes 2023 Jeanne du Barry coverage framed the reputation aftermath.
Editorial timeline of public reporting, not a legal finding.
- Reports: Depp out as Disney explores Pirates reboot - The Guardian reported the original screenwriter indicated @johnnydepp's run as Jack Sparrow was over. Variety separately reported Disney was exploring a sixth installment with the Deadpool writing team. Johnny Depp leaves Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, say reports
- Agent testimony: catastrophic impact and Pirates 6 drop - Variety reported agent Jack Whigham testified that @amberheard's December 2018 op-ed had a catastrophic impact on @johnnydepp's career and that Disney went in a different direction on a sixth Pirates film. Cross-examination noted no written $22.5 million contract. Johnny Depp Was to Receive $22.5 Million for Pirates 6, Agent Says
- Producer Bruckheimer: Depp not back as Jack Sparrow for now - Variety, citing a Sunday Times interview, reported Jerry Bruckheimer said two Pirates scripts were in development and that @johnnydepp was not returning at this point. Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow? Pirates of Caribbean Producer Says No
- Cannes Jeanne du Barry and Liberation letter on the red carpet - Reuters framed the 2023 Cannes opening of Jeanne du Barry as a celebrity comeback after the defamation trial and noted a Liberation open letter criticising festivals for rolling out the red carpet to people accused of assault. BBC reported lukewarm critical notices. Johnny Depp marks celebrity comeback with Cannes opening film