It's been a long wait, but it looks like we might finally be getting another "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie! After eight long years, rumors are swirling that "Pirates of the Caribbean 6" could start filming in late 2025. The big question on everyone's mind: will Johnny Depp be back as the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow?

Remember "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" (also known as "Salazar's Revenge") from 2017? Even back then, people were talking about a possible sixth movie. Since then, there's been a lot of talk, but not much action. Now, a website called World of Reel is reporting that filming could begin in late 2025. If that's true, we might see the movie in theaters sometime in 2026 or, more likely, as a big summer blockbuster in 2027.

Will Jack Sparrow Sail Again?

The biggest question for fans is, of course, whether Johnny Depp will be in the new movie. It's been said that "Pirates of the Caribbean 6" will be a sort of "reboot," meaning it will focus on new characters. Original writer Ted Elliott and "The Last of Us" creator Craig Mazin initially worked on the script, and Jeff Nathanson (who wrote "Salazar's Revenge") later revised it. That doesn't mean familiar faces won't pop up. Orlando Bloom has already said he'd be interested in appearing again.

Many fans are hoping for Depp's return as Jack Sparrow, the face of the franchise. However, World of Reel isn't very optimistic about it. Things got complicated during Depp's highly publicized court case with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, in 2022. Disney seemed to distance themselves from Depp at the time, which reportedly didn't make the actor very happy.

After Depp won the case, he seemed more open to the idea of returning. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who loved Nathanson's script, also said he would love to have Depp back. Ultimately, it depends on Disney and Depp himself.

Even with all the controversy surrounding Johnny Depp, it would be a big risk for Disney to continue the franchise without him. He's been such a huge part of its success. But even if he does return, his role might be smaller, given the new direction of the film.

What About the Margot Robbie Spin-Off?

Interestingly, "Pirates of the Caribbean 6" isn't the only "Pirates" movie in development. Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed earlier in 2024 that a spin-off film starring Margot Robbie, focusing on female pirates, is still in the works. Old characters could potentially make cameo appearances in that movie as well. Christina Hodson, who wrote "Birds of Prey," is supposedly writing the script for the spin-off, but there haven't been any updates on its progress recently.

So, it seems like there's a lot happening in the world of "Pirates of the Caribbean." Whether Johnny Depp returns as Jack Sparrow remains to be seen, but fans have plenty to look forward to with a potential new movie and a spin-off in development.