Monday, September 28, 2009

Mutiny for 'Pirates,' Depp Leaving Franchise

I recently reported on the news that Disney Chairman Dick Cook had stepped down from his position at the company after many years. Whatever the reason forhis departure, "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Johnny Depp has expressed his disappointment at the news, with it putting a damper on his enthusiasm for "Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides."

Depp’s starring in "Pirates 4" was brought into question, which led to further questions asking if there will even BE a "Pirates 4" if Depp isn’t in it. Cinemablend has reported that even if Depp DOES come back for a fourth "Pirates" movie, it’ll be his last, meaning he won’t stick around for "Pirates 5 or 6" (The fourth film is supposed to kick-off a new trilogy).

If "Pirates 4" is Depp’s last time playing Captain Jack Sparrow - what would that mean for the character and the franchise? I think if Depp turned his sights elsewhere, Disney would have a serious problem on their hands. Would they recast Captain Jack? I don’t think fans of the series would have any of that, as I think you’ll agree the essence of the character is brought to the table by Depp. Will they not include Captain Jack and bring in a new character that’ll hopefully capture the hearts of the Pirates franchise’s avid fans? I really don’t think the fans would have any of THAT, either.

Will there even be a "Pirates 5 and 6" without Depp? I think Disney would have a go at trying to make it work, and I think people would still end up seeing them because, hey, it’s "Pirates of the Caribbean." Having said that, Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow is the absolute draw of the franchise, and it would be SORELY lacking without him. The last two films in the trilogy were a mess and would not have done as well as they did without Depp.

What’s your opinion on Depp’s uncertain "Pirates of the Caribbean" future? Do you think he’ll come back for "Pirates 4" and then "5" and "6" after that? If he didn’t, what do you think Disney would do with the character and the franchise?

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is supposed to start filming next spring, and has a general release date of summer 2011.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: Screen Rant

2 comments:

Mikey said...

This is kind of a huge deal if Depp does leave. I'm thinking he'd still wanna stick around, personally. It's one of his most famous roles, so I'd think he'd want to keep playing him. But if not, I'd think that Disney would bank on the name of the franchise to get people in theaters at that point.

We could see a secondary character from the other movies or a new character as "the star" if there's no Cap'n Jack. The movies may not do as well, though. Sounds similar to what happened once Vin Diesel left the Fast & Furious series. The show must go on, as they say.

Head Hero said...

I feel that Depp will stay on for "Pirates 4." The dotted line is probably already signed.

As for for "Pirates 5 and 6," it could be a whole new ball game.