Disney production chief Sean Bailey confirmed in 2018 that Hollywood star Johnny Depp would no longer be a part of the future films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. While various media outlets reported that the step was taken following reports surrounding his alleged abusive behaviour towards former spouse Amber Heard, it all seemed like hearsay at the time. Fans of the star started an online petition demanding Depp’s return to the popular series. Now, the same petition has resurfaced on the internet, nearing 300k signatures. His supporters argue that his performance as Jack Sparrow was what made the Pirates of the Caribbean film’s a roaring success.
The petition is titled, “We want Johnny Depp back as Captain Jack Sparrow.” A description explains, “He has been playing this role since 2003 when we first saw him arriving at the Port Royal in his boat with that epic background music playing. “But can you imagine someone else portraying this instead of him? Or no Jack Sparrow at all? Even if it means nothing to you but please, sign this petition for the ones who REALLY want Johnny Depp as their Captain of the Black Pearl!” it pleads.
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Some comments on the petition website read, “They have to bring him back to rule the seas again or we will never watch any Pirates of the Caribbean movie without our Captain. The entire franchise wouldn’t be the same without his character!” Another added, “Johnny Depp is the only person who can and does bring Captain Jack Sparrow to life. He is a genius who knows what to do with a character.” Depp’s followers show no signs of backing down anytime soon. While his proponents have been vocally fighting for him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, the actor has garnered a massive fan following on the video-sharing application TikTok too.