The Cast Of Pirates Of The Caribbean: 15+ Core Actors & The Shocking Status Of The Sixth Film's Crew (2025 Update)

The high seas of Hollywood are perpetually buzzing with rumors, but as of December 12, 2025, we finally have concrete updates on the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and, more importantly, its iconic cast. After years of speculation following Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that the next installment—often referred to as Pirates of the Caribbean 6—is actively in development with a "new take" and a mix of fresh and familiar faces. The biggest question remains: will the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow sail again, and who else from the original crew is ready to weigh anchor?

This comprehensive deep dive explores the current status of the beloved core cast members, from the original trilogy heroes to the long-time recurring veterans, and breaks down the latest, most definitive news on who is officially attached to the next swashbuckling adventure. We’ll cover the potential return of Johnny Depp, the confirmed involvement of Margot Robbie, and the status of fan-favorites like Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, providing the ultimate guide to the actors who made the franchise a global phenomenon.

The Core Crew: A Complete Biography of the Main Pirates of the Caribbean Cast

The success of the Pirates of the Caribbean saga rests on the shoulders of its unforgettable characters, brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast. Here is a list of the primary actors and their roles, detailing their appearances across the five main films in the franchise (The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest, At World's End, On Stranger Tides, and Dead Men Tell No Tales).

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• Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow: The eccentric, perpetually tipsy pirate captain. Appeared in all five films. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.
• Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa: Jack Sparrow's primary rival and sometimes uneasy ally. Appeared in all five films, making him one of the franchise's most enduring figures.
• Kevin McNally as Joshamee Gibbs: Captain Sparrow's loyal first mate and constant companion. Appeared in all five films. He, Depp, and Rush are the only actors to appear in every single installment.
• Orlando Bloom as Will Turner: The noble blacksmith-turned-pirate and eventual Captain of the Flying Dutchman. Appeared in The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest, At World's End, and a cameo in Dead Men Tell No Tales.
• Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann: The spirited governor's daughter who transforms into a pirate king. Appeared in The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest, At World's End, and a cameo in Dead Men Tell No Tales.
• Jack Davenport as James Norrington: The ambitious and honorable Commodore of the Royal Navy. Appeared in the first three films.
• Bill Nighy as Davy Jones: The terrifying captain of the Flying Dutchman and the main antagonist of the second and third films. Appeared in Dead Man's Chest and At World's End.
• Jonathan Pryce as Governor Weatherby Swann: Elizabeth's father and Governor of Port Royal. Appeared in the first three films.
• Lee Arenberg as Pintel: One half of the comic relief pirate duo (with Ragetti). Appeared in the first three films.
• Mackenzie Crook as Ragetti: Pintel's eye-patched, wooden-eyed partner. Appeared in the first three films.
• Martin Klebba as Marty: A small pirate member of Jack Sparrow’s crew. Appeared in four films.
• Penélope Cruz as Angelica: Jack Sparrow’s former lover and daughter of Blackbeard. Appeared in On Stranger Tides.
• Ian McShane as Blackbeard (Edward Teach): The legendary pirate and main villain of On Stranger Tides.
• Javier Bardem as Captain Armando Salazar: The vengeful Spanish Navy captain and main antagonist of Dead Men Tell No Tales.
• Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth: An astronomer and Henry Turner's love interest in Dead Men Tell No Tales.
• Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner: The son of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. Appeared in Dead Men Tell No Tales.

The Burning Question: Is Johnny Depp Returning as Captain Jack Sparrow?

The most persistent and crucial question surrounding the future of the franchise is the status of Johnny Depp and his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. Following his departure from the role after the 2017 film and subsequent legal battles, his return seemed highly improbable. However, the tides have shifted significantly with recent statements from the franchise's producer, Jerry Bruckheimer.

The Latest Update: As of late 2024 and early 2025, Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that the possibility of Johnny Depp returning is still on the table. He stated that Depp's return is something that "all depends on the script" for the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean 6. This is a massive reversal from previous reports and indicates that Disney is open to bringing back the character that defined the series. Sources suggest that Depp is currently "in talks" to reprise the role, bringing him one step closer to sailing the Black Pearl again.

While an official announcement has not been made, the door is clearly open, fueling intense anticipation among fans who believe the franchise cannot continue without its central figure. The film is currently aiming for a "new take," which could mean a storyline that allows Jack Sparrow to pass the torch or play a supporting role, blending the old cast with the new generation of pirates.

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The New Generation and Returning Veterans: Margot Robbie and the Original Trio

While the focus is often on Captain Jack, the future of Pirates of the Caribbean is also being shaped by new talent and the potential return of other original cast members. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that the next movie will not feature an entirely new cast, assuring fans that some familiar faces will be back on screen.

Margot Robbie's Confirmed Involvement

One of the most exciting new developments is the confirmed involvement of actress Margot Robbie. While the initial plans for a female-led spin-off were rumored to have been shelved, Bruckheimer recently confirmed that Robbie is still attached to the franchise. This suggests that her project is either moving forward or that her character will be integrated into the main Pirates of the Caribbean 6 storyline, perhaps leading the new "new take" that the producers are aiming for. Her casting is seen as a major move to inject fresh energy and a modern sensibility into the long-running series, potentially focusing on a new type of pirate adventure.

Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann: The Return of the Original Romance

The love story of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) was the emotional anchor of the original trilogy. Their potential return is a major talking point:

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• Orlando Bloom (Will Turner): Bloom has openly expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the role, stating that it’s time to "get the band back together." Since his character is tied to the Flying Dutchman, his return offers exciting creative possibilities for the plot of PotC 6.
• Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann): While Knightley has previously indicated that her character's ending in Dead Men Tell No Tales was perfect, making her return less certain, the general confirmation of "returning cast members" keeps the possibility alive. The reunion of Will, Elizabeth, and Jack Sparrow would be a massive draw for legacy fans.

The Unsung Heroes: Gibbs and Barbossa

The franchise's topical authority and continuity rely heavily on the supporting veterans:

• Kevin McNally (Joshamee Gibbs): Given that McNally is one of the three actors to appear in every film, and his character is Jack Sparrow's most loyal companion, his return is highly likely and crucial for narrative consistency.
• Geoffrey Rush (Captain Hector Barbossa): Barbossa's fate at the end of Dead Men Tell No Tales was definitive, but in a world of supernatural curses and resurrections, no pirate is ever truly gone. While his return is less probable than Gibbs', his character remains one of the franchise's most popular and complex figures.

The next chapter of Pirates of the Caribbean is shaping up to be a fascinating blend of nostalgia and novelty. With the potential return of Johnny Depp, the confirmed presence of Margot Robbie, and the producer's promise of familiar faces, the franchise is poised for a major resurgence. Fans can look forward to a new voyage that honors the legacy of Captain Jack Sparrow while charting a course for a new generation of pirate legends.