The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise may not be dead after all—and Margot Robbie’s name is suddenly back in the mix.
For years, the future of the swashbuckling series has felt uncertain. Johnny Depp’s legal battles cast a long shadow, a proposed Margot Robbie–led spin-off appeared to stall, and Disney kept its cards close to the chest. Now, fresh rumors suggest the next installment could take a bold turn, possibly introducing Jack Sparrow’s son while bringing Robbie back into the conversation.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is not exactly denying it.
At the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, Bruckheimer was asked about Robbie’s rumored involvement and offered a deliberately vague tease. He said things are “close on part of it” and confirmed that conversations with Robbie have taken place. While he stopped short of confirming casting or a greenlight, his comments were enough to reignite speculation.
When pressed further, Bruckheimer made it clear the team “loves Margot Robbie,” adding another layer of intrigue. Whether that means she would star, produce, or help shape the story through her production company remains unclear. Robbie’s LuckyChap banner had previously been attached to a Pirates-related project before reports surfaced that it had been shelved.
Timing is also a factor. Bruckheimer has indicated that Top Gun 3 is currently further along in development than the next Pirates installment. That suggests fans should not expect cameras to start rolling anytime soon.
And then there is the elephant in the room—Johnny Depp. Bruckheimer has previously said he would welcome Depp back as Captain Jack Sparrow, but there have been no official announcements. With Disney navigating leadership shifts and franchise strategy, a high-profile revival could still be on the table.
For now, the situation feels familiar. Just when Pirates seems to drift off into the fog, it resurfaces with new casting whispers and sequel talk. And with Bruckheimer offering just enough to keep hope alive, the question is no longer whether the franchise will return—but in what form.
