It’s been seven years since Johnny Depp last played Captain Jack Sparrow on the big screen.

The Hollywood star was hoping to give his Oscar-nominated role a fond farewell in Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

That was before Disney dropped him from the franchise following domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife Amber Heard, which he strongly denies.

Yet having now won his US libel case against her in 2022, fans are ever hopeful the 60-year-old will return as his swashbuckler in the next movie.

Pirates producer Jerry Bruckheimer has said he’d “love” for Depp to reprise Sparrow in the latest blockbuster and now a new report gives fans more cause for hope.

According to Daily Mail: “Insiders now say that what was formerly a ‘probably not’ has turned into a ‘yes’ – Depp will be returning to our screens. As for reprising Jack Sparrow? It’s a firm maybe.

“A pal says: ‘Johnny has always been so touched by how many people love and resonate with the character, so anything is possible.’ All of which sounds much more like a yes than a no.”

However, the actor doesn’t hold back on how he still feels about Hollywood studio bosses who “threw me in the bin”.

Speaking with Metro, Depp said: “They’re disposable and they realise it. Glorified accountants who have the ability to press the green light and make studio films… but they press the green light, they spent s***loads of money. Budgets are ridiculous on these films… some romantic comedy with two very popular people. People – the real people – they’re sick of it.”

Time heals and he knows his fans long for more Captain Jack, so here’s hoping.