Johnny Depp has had many iconic roles throughout his career, especially in his collaborations with director Tim Burton. Although, one of his most memorable roles, and arguably his best, was Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean film series based on the eponymous rides at Disney's theme parks. The film franchise featured dominant names in the acting industry over their years, like Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom. They were some of the most expensive films ever made, but made up for it with huge box office successes for each installment.
Depp began his tenure as Jack in 2003's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, but he was only one of the contenders for the now well-known pirate. With such a memorable role like Jack Sparrow, it's hard to imagine someone else as the captain of the Black Pearl.
It's Unknown If Michael Keaton Auditioned For The Role
Michael Keaton was one of the initial actors considered for the role of Captain Jack Sparrow. Some of his most iconic characters include Bruce Wayne/Batman in the 1989 film Batman and Betelgeuse in Tim Burton's 1988 film Beetlejuice. It is unknown if Keaton auditioned for the role of Jack.
Jim Carrey Recently Announced His Retirement
Jim Carrey was by far the closest person to almost land the part. The iconic comedic actor known for The Mask and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, along with many other films, actually turned down the role. Carrey had a conflicting schedule between Pirates of the Caribbean and his 2003 film Bruce Almighty, so he was unable to commit to both projects. Unfortunately, the actor recently announced his retirement from acting.
Hugh Jackman Wasn't A Big Enough Star Yet
Hugh Jackman was the first choice for the role of Captain Jack Sparrow. At the time, the future The Greatest Showman star had only starred as Wolverine in the first X-Men film and various Broadway productions. Allegedly, Disney didn't think Jackman was a big enough name yet in the film industry to take on the role.
Matthew McConaughey's Resemblance To Burt Lancaster Sparked Disney's Interest
Matthew McConaughey was also considered for the role of Jack Sparrow. McConaughey experienced his breakthrough role in the 1993 comedy Dazed and Confused, and won Best Actor for his lead role in the 2013 film Dallas Buyers Club. He was considered for Pirates of the Caribbean due to his resemblance to Burt Lancaster, another classic film pirate.
Christopher Walken Was Another Early Contender
Christopher Walken was another one of the early contenders for the titular role. Although, it's unknown if he auditioned for the part. Walken took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1978 war film The Deer Hunter, and later appeared in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction as Captain Koons.
Rik Mayall's Scenes Were Cut From Harry Potter
Rik Mayall was rumored to be another prospective actor to play Captain Jack Sparrow. The late stand-up comedian appeared in many sitcoms over the course of his career, along with a role as the ghost Peeves in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Although, all his footage had been cut before the film premiered.
Cary Elwes Was Also Among The Many Prospective Actors To Play Jack Sparrow
Cary Elwes is best recognized for his leading role as Westley in the classic 1987 film The Princess Bride. The future Stranger Things and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star was also among the many names considered to play Jack Sparrow. However, it's unknown if Elwes actually auditioned for the part.
Robert De Niro Wasn't Hopeful About Pirates Of The Caribbean
In addition to Jim Carrey, Robert De Niro was another actor who actually turned down the role. When the frequent Martin Scorsese collaborator first read the Pirates of the Caribbean script, he didn't believe the films would succeed financially. The franchise tremendously proved De Niro wrong with its massive box office successes.
Although, it was a good thing that he turned down the part due to De Niro's tendency to play the tough gangster personas. Depp was arguably the best choice to play the comical pirate, and no one else would have done it so effortlessly.