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Following Amber Heard's allegations, Disney swiftly removed Johnny Depp from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. This decision stirred controversy, especially considering the legal victory Depp achieved that cleared his name — yet, the damage to his relationship with Disney seemed irreversible at the time.
Many fans and industry insiders debated whether Depp deserved to be reinstated, but Disney seemed reluctant, prioritizing public image and corporate liability over the actor’s long-standing connection to the franchise. The film giant publicly distanced itself from Depp, fueling speculation about his possible replacement.