Johnny Depp Answers Orlando Bloom’s ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Reunion Call With a Joke About Growing Beards

Few movie partnerships have aged as well as Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner. More than 20 years after the first film sailed into theaters, fans still ask the same question every time one of the stars gets near a microphone: will they ever set sail together again?

The answer has stayed frustratingly vague. But with a pair of recent comments from both actors, the conversation has picked up fresh wind.

Johnny Depp has now reacted to Orlando Bloom’s push for another ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ reunion, and he did it with a joke. Asked whether he would be interested in reprising Jack Sparrow, Depp said on the red carpet that the pair should hold a contest over “who can grow the fastest non-beard,” told PEOPLE.

Depp made the comment at a special New York City screening of his new film ‘Ebenezer’ on Sunday, Nov 1. That movie opens in theaters on Nov 13.

He added that he does not think either of them can grow a beard, and suggested Bloom might have better luck. The answer was playful, and notably short on commitment either way.

It was not a yes, and it was not a no. For a franchise that has spent years in limbo, that kind of non-answer is almost on brand.

The question came up because of Bloom’s own comments last month. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at the Toronto International Film Festival, where he was promoting his drama ‘Bucking Fastard,’ Bloom said he stays in touch with Depp occasionally and praised him.

He also said he asks about a return to the franchise all the time. Bloom admitted he was unsure when or how another film could happen, though he pointed to the strong pull of nostalgia in Hollywood.

He also described the original group, which included Keira Knightley, Kevin McNally and Geoffrey Rush, as a really good bunch of people.

This is not the first time Bloom has made his case. At Fan Expo Chicago in August 2025, he said a new ‘Pirates’ movie would only succeed if the main cast came back, including Depp and Knightley.

Bloom played Will Turner in 4 of the 5 films so far, having been absent from ‘On Stranger Tides.’ His character’s story took in the first 3 movies before he returned in the fifth.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has also said Depp would likely sign on if he likes the way the part is written. That keeps the door open, at least in theory.

Depp’s relationship with the franchise has been complicated. After his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard concluded in June 2022, a representative told PEOPLE that a report claiming he would return to the series was false. In July 2023, however, a source close to Depp said he could potentially return.

During the trial, Depp was also asked if he would go back to Disney for a Pirates film. He answered that nothing would persuade him, a comment that has hung over the speculation ever since.

The studio has not confirmed a casting plan. Earlier plans for a spin-off led by Margot Robbie were scrapped in favor of a script featuring more of an ensemble cast.

No new film has arrived since ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ in 2017. Depp starred in all 5 films between 2003 and 2017.

A sixth movie has been in development for years, though details have shifted and no release date has been announced. Reports have repeatedly pointed to Depp being considered, but nothing is official.

That leaves fans reading tea leaves from red carpet remarks. A joke about beards may not be much of a clue, but it is at least a friendly one

The chemistry between Depp and Bloom, along with Knightley, helped define the early films. That history is the main reason hopes for a reunion remain so strong.

Whether Disney eventually brings the trio back remains to be seen. For now, the actors seem happy to keep the possibility warm, even if they are not promising anything.

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