In October of the same year, Kaya Scodelario stated that she was contractually signed to return for a sixth film.[7] It was confirmed that Rnning would direct the film.[8] In October 2019, Disney announced that Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott would write Pirates of the Caribbean 6.[9][10] In May 2020, Bruckheimer commented that the first draft of the screenplay for the sixth film would soon be finished.[11] On April 20, 2022, during his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp stated he had no intention of returning to the franchise, citing his strained relationship with Disney after they had removed him from the franchise before a verdict was reached in the case.[12][13]