Is Johnny Depp lined up on a $ 301 million payday to return to Pirates 6?

kirkwilliamJune 27, 2022

“They are very much looking forward to Johnny forgiving them and returning as his iconic character.”

Johnny Depp in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Dead Man Doesn’t Tell a Story” Photo by Disney

Johnny Depp may be preparing to walk the board again as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Rumors are swirling that Disney is collaborating with actors on a one-sixth “$ 301 million deal,” according to a new report. Pirates of the Caribbean Movies and spin-off series. If true, it would be a welcome return to the role that turned Depp, 59, into a global superstar almost 20 years ago, following 2003. Pirates of the Caribbean: Black Pearl Curse..

“Disney is very interested in fixing his relationship with Johnny Depp,” a source told Pop Topic. “They are very much looking forward to Johnny forgiving them and returning as his iconic character.”

Three Oscar candidates dropped out of the franchise in 2018 after writing an editorial suggesting that former Amber Heard was a victim of domestic violence.

Depp played the hero of a swashbuckler in five movies inspired by the attractions of the popular Disney theme parks.

“The studio has already drafted a movie about Jack Sparrow, so they are very much looking forward to Johnny forgiving them and returning as his iconic character,” the insider added. rice field. “This deal is reported to bring Johnny Depp back. Pirates of the Caribbean 6 And a spin-off Disney + series about the early life of the Black Pearl captain. “

Depp claimed in a six-week defamation trial that Hard’s article ruined his reputation and led to a number of canceled projects. One of them is the sixth. Pirates A movie you would have seen an actor pocket $ 22.5 million to replay his role as Jack Sparrow.

“It was impossible for him to make a studio movie after the editorial,” said Depp’s talent manager Jack Wiggham last month.

Depp’s agent said the actor has an oral arrangement Pirate 6However, in 2019, producers chose to go “in a different direction”.It was later announced that actress Margot Robbie would lead the restart of all women written by Birds of prey Screenwriter Christina Hodson.

During his testimony, Depp said he was open to making more Pirates The movie and what he wanted to give the character a “proper farewell”.

News comes after a former Disney executive said Man Depp may return. “There is too much potential for box office revenue for a beloved character deeply rooted in Disney culture,” sources said.

Depp sued 36-year-old Hard for $ 50 million and accused her of defaming him in a 2018 editorial. Washington post She described herself as “a public figure representing domestic violence.”

Johnny Depp will make a gesture to the audience in court on Friday, May 27, 2022, after finishing his final speech at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia. Photo by Steve Hellber / /Associated Press

A Virginia jury ruled in favor of Depp, unanimously agreeing that Hard had damaged his honor and ruined his career when she published the article. Awarded $ 15 million. The jury also admitted that Depp was found guilty of one defamation through former lawyer Adam Waldman, as the maximum amount was $ 10.35 million. Those who heard were awarded $ 2 million.

In a post-verdict interview, Hard’s lawyer Elaine Bredehoft said her clients could not “absolutely” pay the verdict imposed on her and would appeal.

During a publicly announced chat with Savannah Guthrie earlier this month, Haad said he upheld her claim that Depp had abused her during their five-year relationship.

“Until the day of my death, I support all the words of my testimony,” she said. “I made many mistakes, but I’ve always told the truth.”

On Friday, Judge Penny Azkarate officially presented the Jury Trial Award, and Haad ordered a $ 10.35 million payment.

I’ve heard she intends to appeal the ruling.

Amber Heard will wait before the ruling is read at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Photo by Evelyn Hoxtine / /Associated Press

However, at a hearing on Friday, Azkarate said that if Hard appealed, he would have to submit a full deposit of $ 10.35 million in prize money subject to an annual interest rate of 6%.

In a statement to Sun, Heard officials hinted at another upcoming court battle at the Commission’s hearing on January 6. “”As stated at the parliamentary hearing yesterday, if you are innocent, you will not ask for forgiveness, “they wrote in an email. “And if you know you’re right, you won’t refuse the appeal.”

mdaniell@postmedia.com