Disney Blocks Johnny Depp From Returning As Captain Jack Sparrow: Source

In light of Johnny Depp's ongoing legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, it is being reported that the actor will not be appearing in the upcoming Pirates of the Carribean reboot.

This news comes a few weeks after the actor stepped down from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after losing a defamation lawsuit against The Sun publication.

As you've probably heard by now, Johnny Depp has had a rollercoaster of a year.

Johnny has played many iconic characters over the course of his career, one of them being Captain Jack Sparrow.

And up until very recently, he portrayed Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts series.

In early November, Johnny shocked fans by announcing that he was stepping down from the role.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty,” the actor wrote.

"I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days," he shared.

"Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in *Fantastic Beasts* and I have respected and agreed to that request."

He then went on to discuss his plans to appeal the verdict in his libel trial, which involves the actor suing The Sun’s publisher, News Group Newspapers, and the paper’s executive editor, Dan Wootton.

Depp's post continued: "The surreal judgment of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal."

"My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false."

The 57-year-old concluded his statement by adding, "My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time."

Depp's role was then replaced by Hannibal actor Mads Mikkelsen.

Now, it seems as though Johnny may continue to be stripped of his iconic roles.

And this time, it could be Captain Jack Sparrow, who Johnny has played since the first Pirates of the Caribbean film was released in 2003.

As fans of the *Pirates of the Caribbean* franchise will know, the film is being rebooted with Margot Robbie in the lead role.

Margot told fans last month that the film will feature a "lot of girl power" which was obviously amazing news.

For a while, it was being speculated that Johnny would make a cameo in the reboot as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Now, the *The Hollywood Reporter* is suggesting that Depp will not be making a comeback in the new film.

The publication says the actor's return may damage Disney's family-friendly reputation, claiming Disney "balked."

Despite the ongoing negative press, there is a petition to bring back Jack Sparrow to the reboot.

The petition has nearly 360,000 thousand signatures and, in light of recent news, it's most likely the support will grow.

What do you think of Disney not bringing back Johnny Depp? Let us know in the comments below.

h/t: The Hollywood Reporter

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