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Johnny Depp’s departure from Pirates of the Caribbean was largely tied to his highly publicized legal dispute with ex-wife Amber Heard. In 2018, amid accusations of abuse from Heard, Disney swiftly severed ties with Depp, replacing him in upcoming projects. The situation was complicated further by the media spectacle surrounding the allegations, which many fans believed were based on untruths, especially after the court proceedings demonstrated Heard’s inconsistencies.
Depp publicly expressed his discontent with Disney’s decision, claiming they "canceled" him without giving him a fair chance to defend himself. During the lead-up to his court case, Depp stated that no amount of money could entice him to return, citing the damage done to his reputation and career.