Barbossa has died twice in Pirates of the Caribbean. Geoffrey Rush says he would only come back a third time on one condition

If you thought Pirates of the Caribbean had quietly sunk to the bottom of the ocean, apparently it’s still bobbing along out there. After nearly ten years of pause, work on the next film is finally moving on – and, as ever with this franchise, it’s already a bit of a muddle. The usual faces are keen for another go, but don’t expect everyone to just show up, grab the hats, and play the old hits. It’s a bit less straightforward than that.

Returning Cast: Maybe, Possibly, If It Makes Sense

Geoffrey Rush — who’s reliably stolen most scenes as Captain Barbossa, even after being killed off once or twice — says he’d be open to returning, but only if the story doesn’t get ridiculous. In other words, don’t hold your breath for an off-the-shelf resurrection; he wants it to feel like it's actually worth doing. Here’s how he put it to Entertainment Weekly:

I think there’s been a big enough break. I sacrificed myself for my daughter. I don’t want it to be too cheesy and too easy that I come back and go, ‘Give me another payday.’ I respect the scale of the opera that’s almost been created in that 20-year period.

Minor detail: Barbossa’s already died twice in these films, so the writers have their work cut out. Rush even compared it to Hamlet’s father and floated the idea of getting fans to suggest how he should return, which is a level of democracy rarely seen in Disney-land.

Orlando Bloom is also game. He told EW he hears from his old pirate pals and keeps nagging about new adventures, but hasn’t been told anything official. He occasionally checks in with Depp (‘because he’s amazing,’ says Bloom), but hasn’t heard when or if a script will emerge. It’s all very vague, but the door’s clearly open.

What About Depp and… Margot Robbie?

The big question mark is Johnny Depp – after the legal dramas, tabloid chaos, and lengthy absences, is Captain Jack actually on deck for another voyage? According to Jerry Bruckheimer speaking at D23, there are active talks with Depp, and the studio’s got a script underway. However, this time it sounds like Jack Sparrow will be bumped to a supporting role rather than leading the whole show.

We’re talking to Johnny (Depp), we’re working on a screenplay, and hopefully we can get this done.

Which is where Margot Robbie comes in – reportedly, she’s set to be front and centre, which would mark a very different dynamic for the series. At the moment, though, nothing’s locked in, and the studio’s playing its usual cards-close-to-the-chest routine.

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is the first full sequel in nearly a decade.

So, if and when this next Pirates film actually sets sail with Barbossa, Will Turner, Captain Jack, and a new lead, don’t expect it to be a straight rerun of the old formula. If they can pull off the right mix of nostalgia and something new, maybe this ship hasn’t run aground just yet.