Johnny Depp's "return" as Captain Jack Sparrow via a recent Disneyland attraction has stirred up controversy and sparked discussion about whether or not Disney should further distance itself from the actor.
Depp began a $50 million defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard back in April over a 2018 op-ed in which she detailed her experience of domestic abuse. Although Depp was never mentioned by name, he argues the feature has caused his career and reputation irreparable damage.
The ensuing case absolute dominated the news and social media in the following weeks, with troubling allegations of emotional and physical abuse levelled against both parties.
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While the judge ultimately ruled in Depp's favour, there are those who believe the actor is still in the wrong and shouldn't be celebrated.
Obviously, then, not everyone was thrilled when Jack Sparrow was projected onto the Magic Kingdom Castle at Disneyland Paris during a Pirates Of The Caribbean fireworks display.
Disney has seemingly been careful to distance itself from Depp over the years, confirming back in 2018 that it would rebooting the Pirates franchise without its leading man. Recent reports suggest that Margot Robbie could be the new face of the swashbuckling series.
During the trial, Depp said he understood why Disney made the choice to back away from him. "Two years had gone by of constant worldwide talk about me being this wife beater," he said. "So I'm sure that Disney was trying to cut ties to be safe. The #MeToo movement was in full swing at that point."
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While Depp himself has made it fairly clear he's done with Jack Sparrow, footage of the fireworks display quickly blew up on social media. Some are questioning its appropriateness so soon after the trial, but many more seem to be calling out Disney for exploiting Depp.
"Shame on you Disney. You sacked him, yet you projected him on your castle yesterday!" responded one Twitter user.
Another added: "so Disney, you fire the man cause of BS allegations but yet here you are using his face and voice for your visitors! This is disgusting."
Featured Image Credit: DisneyTopics: Disney, TV And Film
