Johnny Depp will no longer play Captain Jack Sparrow within the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, it’s been confirmed. Disney’s production chief, Sean Bailey, verified the rumours throughout an interview with The Hollywood reporter.

When asked how the series can cope while not Depp, Bailey didn’t deny his omission, instead referencing the requirement for ‘new energy’.

He said: “We wish to bring in a brand new energy and vitality. i really like the [Pirates] movies, but a part of the reason Paul and Rhett are thus interesting is that we wish to allow it a kick in the pants. and that is what I’ve tasked them with.”

The Paul and Rhett he mentions are Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, who wrote superhero film, Deadpool.

Depp marked in 5 films Pirates of the Caribbean across fourteen years. The films grossed over $4.5 billion (£3.56 billion), creating the series the twelfth biggest franchise in history.

The actor came below the spotlight in 2016 after his ex-wife, Amber heard, claimed he domestically abused her. Depp denied the allegations and the case was settled within the same year.

Rumours Depp had been dropped from Pirates of the Caribbean 1st circulated after Stuart Beattie, a scriptwriter for the films, referenced his ‘great run’ throughout a red carpet interview in Oct.

Speaking to the Daily Mail TV, he said: “I suppose he is had an excellent run. Obviously, he is created that character his own and it’s become the character he is most famous for currently.

“And children everywhere the globe love him as that character thus i believe it has been nice for him, it has been nice for us, thus i am simply very, very happy regarding it.

“I suppose Jack Sparrow will be his legacy. it is the only character he is played 5 times, it is the character he dresses up in to visit kids in hospitals, it’s what he’ll be remembered for.

“Before Jack Sparrow came on, Depp was considered this type of quirky, independent actor that created these really cool little Tim Burton films, but he was by no means a movie star and a lot of people thought we were crazy for casting him at the time.

“Because he wasn’t a proved commodity; you recognize, a giant movie star. and we were making a big film and we were putting this quirky, independent actor in the middle of it and other people thought we were crazy the very fact that it worked is a miracle.

“They were certainly nervous looking the rushes everyday but once it all came together, one thing simply clicked and it was magic and connected with audiences. i am proud to be a part of it.”

Whether the series can work without his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow remains to be seen.