Depp Not as Keen on Pirates 4

Photo by Yukari

Due to the unexpected resignation of the long-time head of Walt Disney Studios, Dick Cook, Johnny Depp's spirit of doing Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth installment of Disney's mega franchise, as the incomparable Capt. Jack Sparrow has been notably hampered. The news comes after Depp and Disney had officially announced the title of the latest sequel, which is slated for a summer 2011 release.

The L.A. Times has reported that Depp was "shocked and very sad" about the news, especially when Cook was the reason Depp agreed to star in the first Pirates. According to Depp, Cook was "instantly trustworthy" and a "rare beast" because the actor does not think there aren't too many people to trust in Hollywood. Cook was also often the only one to support Depp in his creative rendition of Capt. Sparrow.

It's easy to understand why someone as dedicated of an actor as Depp would lose his enthusiasm about playing Sparrow, perhaps, for the final time when the very person who eventually motivated him is no longer part it.

The thought of playing a character that he loves so much again might prove to be the only reason for Depp to finish Pirates 4. I don't think Disney Studios itself can do anything, at this point, to repair their bond with the actor. For them to dislike Depp's take on Sparrow further proves Disney's lack of originality and imagination.

I personally think that Depp will go ahead with Pirates 4. I think he values the fans more than anything else outside working with Cook once again. But, don't expect him to sail the seven seas again for a fifth Pirates.