Disney Hoping To Lure Johnny Depp Back To 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' With $300 Million Deal
By Afouda Bamidele on June 27, 2022 at 1:30 PM EDT
Fans might just get to see Johnny Depp back as the beloved Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.
As you might know, Depp played the lead role of the adventurous, dubious, and often-drunken captain from its first installment in 2003, "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and its subsequent four sequels.
However, he was booted from the franchise in 2018 after the fifth installment, following the news of his domestic violence case involving ex-wife Amber Heard came to light.
Depp's contract with Disney, the media company behind the franchise, also came to an end. Now, in light of his defamation victory against Heard, the entertainment conglomerate is hoping to fix the burnt bridges with a whole lot of money!
Disney Discussing $300 Million Deal With Johnny Depp
Per PopTopic, Disney is in talks with Depp, hoping to bring him back for a sixth installment and possibly a spin-off. Looking back at how they treated him in 2018, the media company wants to make a formal apology with a deal worth a whopping $301 million.
An insider confirmed the news to the publication saying, "Disney are very interested in patching up their relationship with Johnny Depp. They reached out to the actor prior to his defamation trial against Amber Heard and asked whether he would be interested in returning for another Pirates film or two."
The source revealed that the multinational entertainment company sent the Kentucky native "a gift basket with a very heartfelt letter" and is already penning up a draft script about Jack Sparrow.
"They are very hopeful that Johnny will forgive them and return as his iconic character," the insider mentioned.
Disney is reportedly willing to go far and beyond the mind-blowing $300 million and add "a sizeable donation" to a charity of Depp's choice, just to encourage him to work with them again.
"The deal is reportedly for Johnny Depp to return as Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6 and a spin-off Disney Plus series about the early life of the Captain of The Black Pearl," the insider mentions.
Depp Swore Never To Work With Disney
Disney's alleged new deal comes after the "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" star confessed during his lengthy defamation trial that he would never consider working with the entertainment company.
The actor confessed that Disney executives termed him guilty until proven innocent and as a result lost out on a $22 million payday when he was suddenly dropped following heard's op-ed in The Washington Post where she seemingly branded him an abuser.
Heard's attorney Elaine Charlson Bredehoft mentioned Depp's promise to not work with Disney during the trial, saying, "Is Disney aware that Mr. Depp has testified under oath that he would not take another Pirates of the Caribbean franchise role for $300 million and a million alpacas>"
It's unsure if Depp would change his mind with the hefty payday Disney is offering but fans have voiced their desire to see the 59-year-old back on their screens as Jack Sparrow.
Amber Heard Ordered To Pay Ex-Husband Full Damages
As you might know, Heard and Depp's defamation lawsuit came to an end on June 1 when a seven-person jury sided with the "Alice in Wonderland" actor and found the "Aquaman" actress guilty of defamation.
Heard was ordered to pay her ex-husband $15 million dollars: $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. However, the $5 million was reduced to $350,000 dollars because it is the maximum amount of punitive damages allowed under Virginia state law.
Depp was also ordered to pay Heard $2 million after one of his attorneys labeled her abuse claims a "hoax."
As The Blast reported, weeks after the verdict, Heard's lawyer Bredehoft filed an appeal against the jury's ruling.
He appeared in a Fairfax, Virginia courtroom in front of Judge Penney Azcarate with the hope of setting a briefing schedule and proposing an official appeal.
Unfortunately, Bredehoft was told by the judge that his client would have to pay an $8.35 million bond with 6% interest per year if she wants her appeal to move forward.
The "Drive Angry" actress would also have to file motions with the court to file an appeal. Heard in the past said she didn't have the money to pay the bond. However, with the judge's instruction, Bredehoft promised that she would find a way to meet up with the 21 days deadline to pay the $8 million.
