The iconic pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, was created, from heart to toe, by Johnny Depp and initially not warmly received by Disney. Fans immediately fell in love with Depp’s Captain, and the rest has become pirate legend. One part Hollywood fiction, one part, hospital hero. I can only imagine all of the smiles this man has given so very many children, parents and families as they sit and lay and pray in hospital beds. You have seen the videos, as have I. They are countless. He surprises them. He reads to them. He sings with them. He plays with them. He hugs them, but most importantly… he loves them and they know it. 

Disney, you have betrayed one of Hollywood’s finest. One of your finest in his darkest hour, stripping away a piece of himself…how is that possible? Especially at a time when he has already lost so much.

He won’t come back to the Pirates franchise for 300 million … but, what… if the Pirates came back to him? Give Johnny Depp ownership of the character that he created so that he can can, at very least, continue to bring joy to sick children and their families, if he so desires. And maybe from there… Disney can work on a deal with Johnny, since Captain Jack Sparrow is obviously in high demand. Imagine… That would be a win for everyone. I know the public wants nothing more than to see Johnny HAPPY to be back as Captain Jack Sparrow and as things stand now,  Disney has some work to do. I think if the character were HIS, he’d be pretty happy to return.

Many people can and have played Spider-Man and Batman, Superman, etc… but only one person can ever play Captain Jack Sparrow. Do you know why? Because Johnny Depp created this character. No one else can ever play him and no one is going to watch a Pirates movie without Johnny Depp. Well, maybe someone will, but I won’t and anyone that signs this petition won’t.

Johnny Depp created Captain Jack Sparrow and no one deserves ownership of the part more. Disney owes Johnny Depp a massive apology and he has already stated that money is not the answer, but we think there’s a gift that just might win Johnny’s heart. (Because it already shares a piece of it.) Whether it brings Captain Jack back to the theaters is up to Mr. Depp, but if Disney wants to make a proper apology to the amazing man they let down in his darkest hour, well, here’s their chance. 

To further complicate matters, while this most beloved Hollywood legend was completely blacklisted for now proven false accusations, Jack Sparrow merchandise in his likeness was still being made and sold. In Johnny’s own words:

“They didn’t remove my character from the rides. They didn’t stop selling dolls of Captain Jack Sparrow. They didn’t stop selling anything. They just didn’t want there to be something trailing behind me that they’d find.”

What’s the message here? Maybe … it’s a sign of things to come… maybe it means he is indeed coming back or maybe … it’s something else.

Do the RIGHT thing, Disney. Show Johnny some real love and appreciation. Give Johnny Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?