Johnny Depp has reportedly received a $301 million or Rs 2,535 crores offer to return as Jack Sparrow in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean‘ franchise. The actor, who recently won his $50 million defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard, appeared in all five parts of the pirate adventure film series. 

There was news that Disney had parted ways with Depp over Heard’s accusations of domestic violence, but Australian pop culture gossip site Poptopic.com reported that the House of Mouse offered the 59-year-old actor an apology as well. 

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The publication quoted a source saying, “I know corporate sent him a gift basket with a very heartfelt letter, but I’m unsure how it was received. But what I can tell you is that the studio has already penned up a draft for a film about Jack Sparrow — so they are very hopeful that Johnny will forgive them and return as his iconic character.” 

While Disney had dropped Depp just days after Heard’s explosive op-ed in The Washington Post, there were also reports that Depp’s salary for the ‘Pirates’ movies might have motivated the move. The latter films didn’t enjoy a strong box office success, and Disney had decided there was a need to revitalize the franchise. 

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There were talks of having a female lead in the new movie, and then reports emerged that ‘Suicide Squad‘ actor Margot Robbie was being considered for the role. 

Depp, however, made Jack Sparrow a household name, with the characteristic swagger and comically timed deliveries. 

Now, as per the publication, Disney wants Depp to find his sea legs again and return to the franchise. “Disney are very interested in patching up their relationship with Johnny Depp”, the source said. 

Depp’s victory against Heard in the trial, which took place in Fairfax, Virginia, also saw the jury instruct the ‘Aquaman‘ actor to pay her ex-husband $10.35 million in damages.