And as far as international audiences are concerned, Depp is the key to the entire series.
With a projected $80 million marking a continued decline in domestic opening grosses, the international market will still more than likely pull the heavy weight for the Pirates franchise.
Jerry Bruckheimer’s remarks to The Digital Spy recognize this fact, and so as long as he and Disney wants to make money on their seafaring epics, Captain Jack will be here to stay.
The true test of whether audiences want Johnny Depp back on their screens in pirate garb, as well as if he’s going to be asked to come back, is whether or not Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales continues to bring in the big bucks this weekend.