Producer Jerry Bruckheimer says Disney hasn't pulled the plug just yet on the planned Pirates of the Caribbean movie starring Margot Robbie. Back in 2020, it was reported that a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film would be happening, but that Robbie would be taking over as the protagonist. Johnny Depp would later testify under oath at his defamation trial that Disney fired him from his role as Captain Jack Sparrow due to allegations of domestic violence made by ex-wife Amber Heard, suggesting that's what led to the recruitment of Robbie for Pirates 6.

In any case, the project was very slow-moving without any major fruitful developments in the years since. Last month, Robbie suggested that her version of Pirates 6 was dead in the water. She teased that the story idea they had in mind "would've been really cool," but surmised that Disney now just "didn't wanna do it." However, Bruckheimer has weighed in on the matter in a new interview with Collider and has a more positive update on the movie's progress. As the producer explains, he remains confident that the screenplay for the female-led spinoff will be coming in "at a certain point," but clarified that the project is on hold as there's a different script for a separate Pirates movie that they want to develop first.

think that that script will come forward at a certain point. We developed two different stories for Pirates and the other one’s going forward first, so that’s what we’re working on, to try to get that one made.”

Collider also reports that Ted Elliott may be returning to write the script for the screenplay Bruckheimer is referring to; Elliott previously served as a writer on the first four movies. Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) is also reportedly attached to co-write. It's not entirely clear if this script will be introducing entirely new characters, as Robbie's version is planned to, or if the idea is to serve as more of a sequel to the previous films by featuring returning characters.

Related: Best Movies & TV Series Produced by Margot Robbie, Ranked

Will Johnny Depp Return as Jack Sparrow?

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Walt Disney Pictures

Some fans might be speculating that Robbie's spinoff getting paused might mean that Johnny Depp could be returning as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6. The idea is plausible enough, given that Depp has been vindicated in the eyes of many after the defamation trial jury sided heavily in his favor. Many fans have also criticized Disney for moving forward with another Pirates film without Depp, and if the House of Mouse were to first give Captain Jack a proper sendoff, then the fans may be more embracing of the planned spinoff.

The problem will be in getting Depp to agree to return. Under oath, the actor testified that he would not be willing to work with Disney again on another Pirates of the Caribbean project, claiming that he felt "betrayed" by the firing. While the actor may have felt that way at the time, it's also possible that his trial win could have him changing his mind by ultimately coming back. As of now, however, there is no indication that Depp has been in talks with Disney or Bruckheimer about a possible return as Captain Jack.