Johnny Depp has of course had a long and storied career, with 95 credits to his name, according to IMDb. From “Sweeney Todd” to “Benny and Joon” to “Cry Baby” and “Ed Wood,” his best-known role is arguably as Captain Jack Sparrow in the multi-sequel “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Depp starred in all five films so far, but will not return in the sixth.
In the April 27 testimony for the defamation trial, Depp’s former agent, Christian Carino, stated he felt Depp was not asked to return to the franchise because of Heard’s accusations of abuse. “My opinion is it was related to the accusations that Amber has made,” Carino told the court via pre-recorded video, per Deadline. Though he admitted in the video deposition, apparently filmed January 2021, that he had only spoken with executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer, he also said, “It is something within the industry that is understood.” Heard’s co-lawyer, Elaine Bredehoft, pointed out Carino’s admission that Bruckheimer never said specifically that Heard’s abuse allegations were the cause of Depp’s firing.
Heard’s other attorney, Ben Rottenborn, also referenced an article reporting Depp’s exit from the franchise that was printed two months before Heard’s op-ed, per Us Weekly. Depp himself admitted on the stand that even “$300 million” or more would not entice him back to the franchise. Lawyers are now trying to prove how the various testimonies fit into the timeline. Time will tell if Depp’s release from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise will be mentioned too.
