Johnny Depp Shocker: Disney Originally Wanted THIS Actor To Play Captain Jack Sparrow
Johnny Depp almost never had the role that skyrocketed his career - Captain Jack Sparrow.
Although Depp has been part of several franchises, he is most renowned for his performance in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. He famously played the role of Captain Jack Sparrow before Disney decided to cut him off amid his legal battle.
Despite bringing billions to the franchise, "Pirates of the Caribbean" almost had a different fate since Depp was never Disney's first choice.
The Mouse House initially tapped Jim Carrey to play the titular role. Originally, Stuart Beattie wrote it with Hugh Jackman in mind, and the character's name "Jack Sparrow" proved that.
However, Disney did not think he was famous enough to play the role, and they offered it to Matthew McConaughey instead. After things failed to work out, the company offered it to Carrey instead.
The 60-year-old actor almost made it to the franchise, but he had to refuse the offer as the shooting schedule for the film coincided with his "Bruce Almighty."
Aside from Carrey, other actors were also put into consideration, including Michael Keaton, Christopher Walken, Rik Mayall, Cary Elwes, and Robert De Niro.
In the end, Depp outshined everyone and put the franchise in the spotlight.
Johnny Depp Reveals Dark Side of Captain Jack Sparrow's Role
Things did not happen smoothly for Depp even after scoring the role. Unfortunately, he suffered from condemnation after failing to impress the Disney heads with his performance.
In a report published by EuroNews during the Zurich Festival, Depp revealed that the people in the studio saw him as nothing but a drunk man. Since the character is renowned for his slurred speech, the Disney executives doubted what he could really bring to the table.
"They were nervous, they were afraid no one would understand a word Captain Jack said," he revealed. "I got calls from them asking, 'Is he drunk? Are you drunk? What's the thing with his hands?'"
Instead of losing hope, he rocked his role and proved them wrong.
But Depp has to let go of the character after leading five installments for over 15 years. Beattie told DailyMailTV that his legal battle had nothing to do with his ousting. Instead, Disney reportedly wants to apply major changes and rework the whole franchise.
