Disney's highly anticipated Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will feature returning cast members from previous films, as confirmed by franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

The franchise has seen multiple development attempts since the underwhelming response to 2017's Dead Men Tell No Tales (titled Salazar's Revenge internationally), compounded by Johnny Depp's legal troubles that temporarily sidelined the future of Captain Jack Sparrow.

After years of uncertainty, the project is finally taking shape with a narrative balancing fresh faces and returning characters - though specific returnees remain unconfirmed.

Orlando Bloom recently hinted at potentially reprising his role as Will Turner during an appearance on This Morning, marking what could be his first proper return since 2007's At World's End. Though both Bloom and Keira Knightley briefly appeared in Dead Men Tell No Tales' post-credits scene, fans had grown skeptical about any follow-up.

"The possibility exists," Bloom cautiously noted, adding: "The team is still exploring different creative directions. Personally, I'd love a classic reunion - but we'll see what develops."

Pirates of the Caribbean Film Series

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Development of the sixth installment has followed a winding path, with Disney reportedly considering various approaches including full reboots, legacy sequels, and standalone stories. The project's direction became particularly complicated following Depp's legal battles, which initially led Disney to distance itself from the actor.

Depp's highly publicized court cases - first his unsuccessful 2018 UK libel suit against The Sun, then his 2022 defamation victory against Amber Heard - temporarily derailed his involvement. However, with Depp gradually resuming his acting career and Bruckheimer expressing interest in his return (evidenced by last year's Fortnite crossover featuring classic characters), speculation about Sparrow's comeback has intensified.

Bruckheimer recently clarified to Screen Rant that while the new film will present "a fresh approach," it won't feature a completely new cast. "Some familiar faces will return," the producer teased, while refusing to specify which actors.

Disney remains silent regarding Depp's potential involvement, and the project currently lacks an official green light or scheduled release window as development continues.