Report: Disney Moves to Reboot Major Johnny Depp Franchise (No, It’s Not ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’)

As Disney prepares its next wave of live-action adaptations, rumors have surfaced suggesting a major reboot of one of Johnny Depp’s iconic franchises.

Disney’s Live-Action Revolution

Since 2014’s Maleficent, Disney has been breathing new life into its animated classics with bold live-action remakes. Maleficent offered a dark twist on Sleeping Beauty, introducing audiences to the complex origins of its villain. This was followed by 2015’s Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh, which stayed true to the 1950 original, showcasing Lily James and Cate Blanchett’s standout performances. These two films paved the way for Disney’s live-action revival, which has become a cornerstone of the studio’s strategy.

In 2016, Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book impressed both critics and audiences with its groundbreaking blend of live-action and CGI, bringing Mowgli’s world to vivid life. Beauty and the Beast (2017) followed, with Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle and an opulent musical adaptation that earned over $1.2 billion worldwide.

The streak continued with 2019’s Aladdin, directed by Guy Ritchie, which added vibrant energy to the Arabian Nights tale, and The Lion King, another Favreau project that pushed the boundaries of CGI to reimagine the 1994 classic. Despite mixed reviews for both, their box-office success affirmed Disney’s dominance in the live-action remake game.

In 2020, Mulan took a different approach, opting for a realistic, action-driven narrative devoid of the original’s music and some beloved characters, though its reception was divided. 2021 saw Cruella shine with Emma Stone’s bold performance as the fashion-forward villainess, offering a fresh take on the classic antagonist. 2023’s The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey, earned praise for its performances and musical numbers, though it struggled to fully recapture the magic of the animated original.

Disney’s live-action slate shows no sign of slowing, with anticipated releases like Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), Snow White (2025), Lilo & Stitch (2025), and Moana (2026) promising to continue the trend. These films are designed to reimagine timeless tales for a new generation, using modern technology to create innovative cinematic experiences. While the critical reception has been mixed, the box office returns–for the most part–speak for themselves, ensuring Disney’s live-action legacy remains strong.

Alice in Wonderland: A Tim Burton Movie

Disney’s 2010 Alice in Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton, offered a unique, gothic reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale.

With a star-studded cast including Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, the film captivated audiences with its visually stunning, eccentric style. Burton’s whimsical yet dark approach earned the film two Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Costume Design, while Danny Elfman’s haunting score set the tone for the fantastical narrative.

Although Alice in Wonderland grossed over $1 billion worldwide, it received mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances, especially Depp’s portrayal of the Mad Hatter, but felt the film lacked the depth and whimsy of the original source material. Still, it became a touchstone for Disney’s live-action remakes, sparking a wave of similar films, though its sequel, Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016), failed to capture the same magic.

A New Chapter for Alice in Wonderland?

According to industry insider Daniel Richtman, Disney is preparing to reboot its Alice in Wonderland franchise, with a focus on one of the most iconic villains: the Queen of Hearts. Julia Hart, the director and writer behind Stargirl, is reportedly set to helm and write a new origin story about the rise to power of Wonderland’s ruthless ruler.

Details of the project are still under wraps, but it appears this reboot will be distinct from Tim Burton’s 2010 adaptation. The new direction rumors arrive more than eight years after Alice Through the Looking Glass hit theaters, the last time Depp appeared as the beloved character.

Alice in Wonderland remains a major milestone in Disney’s live-action renaissance. Depp earned a staggering £50 million (approx. $68 million) for his seven-minute role in the 2010 film, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood at the time.

As rumors swirl about Depp’s possible return to another iconic Disney role—Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise—it remains to be seen whether he will make his way back to Wonderland.

Do you think Disney should reboot Alice in Wonderland again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!