Disney’s $4.5B Pirates of the Caribbean Films Was Almost Derailed After Studio Execs Demanded Johnny Depp To Be Like Han Solo

Disney’s $4.5B Pirates of the Caribbean Films Was Almost Derailed After Studio Execs Demanded Johnny Depp To Be Like Han Solo
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Johnny Depp is among some of the Hollywood stars who have not only made a lasting impact on the industry but also brought to life some of the most iconic characters of all time. One such character, Depp has played on screen is the main protagonist of the action-adventure franchise Pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack Sparrow.

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Captain Jack Sparrow

Although Depp has stated that he doesn’t plan on returning to the franchise, he has put on the pirate’s iconic hat and outfit for the fans a few times, who have known the character for his slightly drunken swagger, slurred speech, and unique look. However, the studio reportedly had totally different plans for the popular character as they wanted Captain Jack Sparrow to look like Han Solo.

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Disney Wanted Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow to Look Like Han Solo

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most notable franchises in Hollywood, which has continued since the release of the 2003 film that introduced Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp went to great lengths to embody his character’s pirate aesthetic.

Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow
Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow

From a dreadlock wig to a red bandanna with several head accessories, he used everything to make his character perfect as a pirate. One of the things that truly stood out to the audience was his distinctive look, characterized by his eyes, which are often heavily covered with black eyeliner.

However, the studio reportedly hated what the Sleepy Hollow star was doing with the character and advised to change the look by making it appear more appealing and handsome, similar to Star Wars’ Han Solo. They demanded to tone down the eyeliner and also filmed a scene with their suggested look.

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Harrison Ford as Han Solo
Harrison Ford as Han Solo

However, it was disapproved by both the film’s director, Gore Verbinski, and its star, Johnny Depp, who then decided to continue with the look they had in mind from the beginning. And turns out that they were right all along, as it has since become a fan-favorite character in the franchise.

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When Captain Jack Sparrow Met Han Solo

Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow and the Han Solo actor Harrison Ford came face to face and even shared a hug at the 2015 D23 Expo. While Depp made an appearance at the events in his Pirates of the Caribbean character to promote the fifth installment in the franchise, Ford took the stage for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

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Johnny Depp with Harrison Ford
Johnny Depp with Harrison Ford

The duo was captured together having a conversation backstage. Both the characters have been fan favorites and have fans excited for their appearance on the screen. There have been multiple discussions about their return to their respective franchise, with Pirates of the Caribbean fans even holding petitions to get the actor back as Jack Sparrow. Depp was last seen as Jack Sparrow in the fifth installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales.

The Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars franchises are available on Disney+.

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Written by Laxmi Rajput

Articles Published: 2203

Laxmi Rajput is a writer at Fandomwire. She finished her Post Graduation in Broadcast Journalism and worked as a Business News writer for a year. But her interest in entertainment and pop culture compelled her to find a way towards Entertainment Journalism. She has worked across various fields and has 2 years of experience in content writing. She likes reading, music, movies, and traveling. She aspires to become a fiction writer in the future.