Orlando Bloom Issues Ultimatum: No New "Pirates" Without Johnny Depp

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Orlando Bloom has no doubts: if they're bringing back "Pirates of the Caribbean," it should only be with the star of "Sweeney Todd."

At Fan Expo in Chicago, the actor made it crystal clear, according to Entertainment Weekly, that there's only one recipe for a successful reboot — get the old crew back together, including Keira Knightley and everyone else. "I think the only way to do it is to bring everyone back. If they can and if everyone wants to come back," said, emphasizing that it all comes down to the script.

Will Depp Return?

These words come against the backdrop of cautious plans from Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. The sixth "Pirates" movie has been in development for ages, and all we know so far is that the project will be a reboot.

In May 2024, the producer noted that a script for a Margot Robbie spin-off is being written in parallel (though in 2022, Robbie herself admitted in a Vanity Fair interview that the spin-off was canceled), but Depp's involvement remains the biggest question mark.
Actor Johnny Depp in a leather tricorn hat and actor Orlando Bloom in a white shirt
Depp and Bloom in the first Pirates of the Caribbean
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Bruckheimer previously told EW that the actor might agree to return if the script proves worthy. "He created Jack Sparrow. It wasn't on paper, it was his interpretation," the producer noted.

Will Knightley Return?

Meanwhile, Keira Knightley has flat-out ruled out her participation, explaining that she's not ready to spend years of her life again filming such a massive franchise.

In November 2024, she gave an interview to The Times of London, where she revealed that during her time filming Pirates (she started in the franchise when she was 17), she faced criticism:
They were the most successful films I'd ever been a part of, and they were the reason I was publicly shamed. So there's complete confusion in my head. But at the same time, because of them, I got the chance to be in films that got me Oscar nominations.
Keira Knightley

Is There Hope?

Obviously, without Depp, Pirates of the Caribbean just isn't Pirates. You can dream up all the new heroes you want, but the magic only exists with this trio: Sparrow, Elizabeth, and Will.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl trailer
Interestingly, rumors about Depp's return have intensified in recent months. According to Entertainment Weekly, the actor has discussed with Bruckheimer the possibility of donning Captain Jack's tricorn hat once again. And while there are no official decisions yet, the very fact that talks are happening gives us reason for optimism.

The franchise remains one of Disney's most successful ever — the first five films raked in over $4.5 billion. But they also burned out: we remember how each new installment lost the charm of the early films, leaving only the mechanics behind.

And here's where Bloom's right: bringing back Pirates without Depp means stripping them of their soul. Everything else could be brilliantly shot, but without Jack Sparrow, you're left with just an empty shell. Earlier, we at zoomboola.com told you about how Pirates of the Caribbean lost its magic.