Johnny Depp has responded to Orlando Bloom‘s interest in returning to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise with an unusual suggestion. Asked whether he would reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow, the actor joked about competing with Bloom to see who could grow facial hair faster.
Johnny Depp jokes about reuniting with Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean
During a special screening of his upcoming film Ebenezer in New York City on November 1, the 63-year-old actor spoke to PEOPLE about the possibility of another Pirates reunion. “Well, I think we should have a contest of who can grow the fastest non-beard,” he said. “Because neither of us can grow a beard, I don’t think. I can’t, for sure, but maybe he can. I don’t know.”
Bloom had recently discussed the possibility of returning to the franchise during an interview with Entertainment Weekly at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. He said he still connects with Depp, describing his former co-star as “amazing.” However, Bloom admitted he had not heard any updates about another film.
He also reflected on the franchise’s lasting appeal. He said, “I think nostalgia is such a big thing in the world today.” According to Bloom, audiences continue revisiting familiar films because of the feelings and memories associated with them.
Depp and Bloom appeared together in the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films alongside Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush. While Depp continued as the lead in On Stranger Tides (2011) and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), Bloom and Knightley did not have major roles in those installments.
Speculation about Depp’s return as Jack Sparrow has continued since his highly publicized defamation trial against Amber Heard concluded in June 2022. The former couple later reached a settlement in December 2022.
Initially, Depp’s representative described reports of his return to the franchise as “false.” Nevertheless, a source close to the actor suggested in July 2023 that a comeback could still be possible. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has also repeatedly expressed interest in bringing Depp back for a sixth film.
For now, neither Depp nor Bloom has confirmed a return. Depp’s new film, Ebenezer, is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 13.
