The unnamed sixth installment of the much-loved Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has been a long time coming. The last film of the franchise to date, Dead Men Tell No Tales, was released back in 2017. As a franchise that has been around for almost two decades, Pirates of the Caribbean has garnered a significantly large following. The most famous character of the franchise for many fans is, arguably, the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow. Actor Johnny Depp has portrayed the character since the franchise's inception with Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003.Although Pirates of the Caribbean 6 was announced in 2018, the franchise has faced significantly turbulent times. Facing allegations of domestic abuse by ex-wife Amber Heard, lead actor Depp has been at the center of legal battles. He was also dropped from the franchise despite the protest of many fans. Now, causing a commotion among Pirates fans yet again, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, when questioned about the franchise's future, told The Sunday Times in May 2022 that two Pirates scripts are being developed, with one script centering on actress Margot Robbie.The news of a possible Pirates of the Caribbean 6 with Margot Robbie as the lead received varying reactions from fans who set Twitter abuzz with their opinions.
#NoJohnnyNoPirates
Early reactions to Bruckheimer’s news were of vehement refusal. Many fans have steadfastly refused to accept a new Pirates movie if it didn’t include Depp in his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. Despite the allegations which have been hurled at Depp, the actor has maintained his innocence. Even amidst the latest defamation suit, fans stood loyally by Depp’s side. Those who believed in Depp’s innocence felt vindicated when the jury unanimously declared Amber Heard guilty of defaming Depp.
Many have credited the success of Pirates to Depp’s Jack Sparrow, taking the stance that Pirates is, in essence, Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow. The news of Margot Robbie’s casting has given new momentum to the hashtag #NoJohnnyNoPirates on Twitter. Although commentators have credited Margot Robbie for her success as an actress, they have not been welcoming Disney’s decision to consider her as a replacement for Depp. User @ABurghouts said:
“I absolutely love Margot. But a #piratesofthecarribean without #JohnnyDepp is a no go for me. Specially in this case.
I'm really sorry #MargotRobbie , I'd hate to be you in this case.
#PiratesoftheCaribbean6 #JohnnyDeppIsInnocent”
Some also believe that despite Depp being essential to the franchise, Depp’s suffering, as a result of the undoubtedly tense relationship with the franchise's producers, has to be acknowledged. @atiebrahimi70 expressing their opinion wrote:
“We won't ask Johnny Depp to come back to Pirates EVER,that man has been FORCED to do shit enough for one lifetime! We just won't accept any Pirates movie without him in it. as much as I love #MargotRobbie this is a matter of RESPECT for Johnny Depp & his legacy.
#TeamJohnnyDepp”
Anger Towards Disney
The announcement of Margot Robbie’s role in the Pirates franchise also brought a multitude of fan reactions towards the franchise’s production company, Disney. Threatening to cancel their subscriptions to Disney, fans reiterated their long-standing stance that the company had made a grave error in its decision to let go of the iconic Captain's Johnny Depp. @HotTakesWithHol wrote:
Facts. @Disney don't be stupid. No one will support a 6th pirates movie without Johnny Depp. #MargotRobbie #JohnnyDeppVsAmberHeard #JohnnyDepp #AmberHeardIsAnAbuser”
Echoing similar sentiments, user @Goldenpipes25 said:
“No disrespect to #MargotRobbie but @Disney really messed up bc there is not pirates without Jack Sparrow. So, no #johnnydepp means we ain’t watching.”
Appeals to Margot Robbie
Even amidst multiple claims, by both the producers and Johnny Depp himself, that Depp will not be returning to the franchise, fans have not given up hope for the original Jack Sparrow. By exploring all available avenues, such as creating petitions to get Depp back onboard, fans have also started appealing to Margot Robbie, asking for her aid to bring Depp back into the franchise. @tim_sanford1981 wrote:
“#MargotRobbie, will you please explain to #JerryBruckheimer that #JohnnyDepp is always gonna be #JackSparrow?
Margot, PLEASE PLEASE HELP Johnny to STAY with us!! #CaptainJackSparrow #PiratesoftheCaribbean #POTC #TPOFC #PiratesoftheCaribbean6”
Fans have also expressed that Robbie’s decision to show support for Depp would lead to fans accepting her as a part of the Pirates franchise. Penning this opinion, @dhedluk said:
“Now would be a good time for #MargotRobbie to show support for Johnny. Insist Disney bring back Johnny and she'll be in the hearts of Depp fans and accepted as a Pirate. But only after Johnny has had his chance to say a proper goodbye to HIS character”
Robbie Isn’t Making a Good Move
Fans have also expressed the opinion that Robbie’s decision to accept the role in the Pirates franchise was an unwise move on her part. Given that fans are still quite evidently hopeful for Johnny Depp’s return, the casting of Robbie works to narrow the chances of Depp reprising his role. Further, in accepting Disney’s offer, fans see Robbie as a supporter of Disney and their actions towards Depp, which fans deem unfair and unjust. User @DublinCalling wrote about their displeasure:
I have 100% no interest in new #PiratesoftheCaribbean #PiratesoftheCaribbean6 . I won't be bringing the kids to see it. I see
@Disney in a different way now. I think this may not be a good move for #MargotRobbie.
#JusticeForJohnnyDepp #JohnnyDeppvAmberHeard
User @hayleyclaire87, expressing a similar opinion and also noting that Robbie’s acceptance of the role may have detrimental consequences on her reputation, wrote:
“Wow. Really surprised that #MargotRobbie is supporting
@DisneyStudios when, without proof, they dropped Johnny to save their own skin! Bad move for your career Margot... You will lose a lot of fans!
#MargotRobbie #JohnnyDepp #JusticeforJohnny #Pirates6 #Disney #NoJohnnyNoPirates”
More Favourable Opinions
However, although many Pirates of the Caribbean fans have objected to Robbie’s role in the film, the Suicide Squad actress’s following has shown support for her new role. Many have commended Robbie's talent, ability, and drive and expressed their excitement to see Robbie perform as a pirate. “Yes, I’m all in,” said Twitter user @DaggerDarkstar6:
“I can't wait to see the next Pirates of the Caribbean film. I don't need Johnny Depp for it to be epic. We get Margot Robbie leading a team of pirates. Margot Robbie. Yes. I'm all in. #PiratesFilm #MargotRobbie”
Praising Robbie’s versatility as an actress, @NikkoCaruso took to Twitter to say:
“Oscar Roles ✅
DC ✅
Barbie ✅
Pirates of the Caribbean ✅
Ocean’s Franchise ✅
Margot really coming for it all. And the industry will be a better place because of it. ðŸ™ðŸ¼
#MargotRobbie”
The multitude of opinions that fans have had regarding the casting of Margot Robbie makes it evident that the controversy surrounding Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard has also seeped into the Pirates franchise. The fact that fans are still holding onto hope for Depp's return is also evident. However, any decision will carry its own pros and cons. What this means for the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film remains to be seen since no official release date for the film has been released yet.