Johnny Depp, who lost a libel lawsuit this week after being labelled a wife beater following allegations made by his ex-partner Amber Heard, became a household name for his role of Jack Sparrow. However, his future in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series is now under threat following the damaging verdict in London’s High Court. Disney has not responded to queries about his future in Pirates of the Caribbean but experts have cast doubt over whether he can continue in the role.
Celebrity branding expert Jeetendr Sehdev said: “I think this is the final nail in the coffin of Johnny Depp’s brand. The verdict does not align with that image.”
Matthew Belloni, former editorial director of the Hollywood Reporter added: “There is a sense in Hollywood that Johnny Depp is a tainted brand, and his dominance of the box office in the 2000s has come to an end.”
Losing the role would be a huge blow for Depp who went through highs and lows in the making of the film – including suffering an injury during the film for the 2006 sequel Dead Man’s Chest.
While promoting the second instalment, Depp spoke about the film’s set piece scene in which he engaged in a sword fight atop a rolling wheel, to which the actor was strapped to ensure his safety.
READ MORE: Johnny Depp: Pirates of the Caribbean star may see ‘LESS screen time’
During an interview with Ron’s World, Depp explained: “When they strapped me into the wheel – for however long it was – I was in it for hours and hours.
“And I lost feeling in the upper half of my left foot for about four or five months.”
Laughing about the situation, Depp added: “The nerves had been damaged, or whatever. So I had no feeling … you could stick a pin in it and I wouldn’t have felt it.”
This wasn’t the only issue Depp dealt with when he arrived on set for the film franchise.
Beattie then went on to explain why he wanted to cast Jackman in the role in the first place.
Beattie continued: “I had seen [Jackman] in all these musicals growing up.
“So I knew this guy was a phenomenal talent and so that’s what I thought of, ‘Jack. Yeah, Jack Sparrow!'”
Thankfully, he went with Depp, who went on to become one of the most-loved parts of the film, helping it gross $654 million at the box office.
It was this success that sparked the continuation of the franchise.
While the original cast moved on after the initial trilogy, fans are eager to see how things continue in the series going forward.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is available to watch on Disney Plus now.
