Why Petitions To Reinstate Johnny Depp In ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ Won't Work

Fans of Johnny Depp have launched several petitions to bring back the actor as Captain Jack Sparrow in “Pirates Of The Caribbean 6.” Depp was ousted from the role last year following the multiple allegations of domestic violence thrown against him by his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

As early as last year, “Pirates Of The Caribbean” screenwriter Stuart Beattie already hinted that the actor would no longer be part of the future films in the franchise, although he did not reveal the reason for his dismissal. “I think he’s had a great run,” Beattie said. With fans already going mad over the idea of seeing the next film without Depp, they have launched petitions to get the actor back onboard.

One of the petitions asking to get Depp back to the franchise has already garnered more than 13,000 signatures. Fans believe that the franchise would not have been a success if not for Depp, so he only deserves to stay. “…He made the films extra fun and I just can’t think about a Pirates 6 without Johnny Depp,” the petition’s mission statement reads.

The other petition, which already has well over 5,000 signatures, presents a more detailed mission statement on why Depp needs to reprise his role in “Pirates Of The Caribbean 6.” “Depp has been going through a lot over the past few years and in a very public way,” the statement reads.

“His divorce to actress Amber Heard has brought up multiple allegations of domestic violence against the actor, among other things that don’t paint him in the very best light.” The petition states that the actor is just one of the many actors who have been “demonized” by the entertainment industry.

Whether or not these petitions will go anywhere remains to be seen. As far as Disney is concerned, however, it looks like the studio is just going to turn a blind eye. Depp’s messy divorce from Heard permanently soured his image in the eyes of the public.

Last year, he also dealt with a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against his former business managers, The Management Group, after accusing them of fraud and financial management — which could mean that his life has been in chaos of late. Meanwhile, a vocal segment of “Fantastic Beasts” fanbase has been questioning the casting of Depp as Grindelwald in the film, saying that his presence there is problematic.

With Depp’s image now tainted with scandals, it is understandable if Disney executives are terrified of casting him, thinking that his performance might only sabotage the film by frightening away their conservative audience. Cutting out Depp from the next “Pirates Of The Carribbean” film will also save Disney a whopping $100 million, which is Depp’s salary per film in the “Pirates” franchise.

Although Johnny Depp was the reason people loved “Pirates Of The Caribbean” in the first place, his new image might only hurt the reboot than work to its advantage. In that case, Disney might change the tone of the next film completely and find an immensely charismatic actor who can be as cool as Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow but without Depp’s dark and gritty image.