In court, actor Johnny Depp declared that there is nothing Disney could offer him that would persuade him to reprise his renowned role as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The statement occurred during Depp’s cross-examination in his defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard (via Variety), whom Depp is presently suing for $50 million.
“The truth is, Mr. Depp, even if Disney offered you $300 million and a million alpacas, nothing on this planet would entice you to return to work on a Pirates of the Caribbean picture. Correct?” During the hearings, Amber Heard’s attorney, Ben Rottenborn, questioned Depp. “That is correct, Mr. Rottenborn,” Depp answered.
Depp is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard for defamation after she recounted alleged abuse in a Washington Post op-ed in 2018. While she never specifically mentions Depp, the actor feels the story has harmed his profession, costing him the part of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean 6.
Depp stated that he would be a pretty simpleton not to believe that Ms. Heard’s statements had an effect on his profession, regardless of whether they referenced his name or not. He further added that he feels his career was “done” the second the charges were made against him.
The actor explained “Once it happened, I was out. Regardless of the result of this trial, I’ll take that with me for the rest of my life… I’m suing her for slander and the numerous lies she used to finish my life up.”
In his evidence, Depp claimed that, despite Disney maintaining the image of Jack Sparrow in all aspects of the property, he personally was cut off. “They didn’t take my persona off the rides,” he explained. “They didn’t stop selling Captain Jack Sparrow dolls.” They never stopped selling anything. They just didn’t want anything trailing after me that they could find.”
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have been embroiled in legal squabbles for some time, and the matter is unlikely to be settled anytime soon. The investigation is ongoing.
