What If Matthew McConaughey Played Jack Sparrow Instead Of Johnny Depp?
Originally, Matthew McConaughey was considered for the role of Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies over Johnny Depp, a decision that would have had huge implications for both actors' respective career trajectories. As proven by Disney offering him $22.5 million for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, Johnny Depp is central to the success of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The series grew to rely on Depp’s role as rebellious pirate Jack Sparrow more and more with each sequel, with the character graduating from a supporting star to a co-lead between the first and second movies and becoming the lone protagonist of the franchise by the fourth outing.
However, Depp wasn’t the first actor considered for the now-famous part. Although it might be difficult to imagine given how iconic the actor’s take on the role now is, stars as diverse as Robert DeNiro and Cary Elwes were considered before Depp eventually gained the part. Even earlier than that, Matthew McConaughey was originally slated to star as the Pirates of the Caribbean antihero.
Related: Bruckheimer’s Pirates Of The Caribbean Comments Are Bad News
When the original Pirates of the Caribbean movie 2003’s The Curse of the Black Pearl was written, the first draft of the screenplay featured a feckless, charming pirate who helped the hero free his love interest from a villainous captain. Because of his resemblance to Burt Lancaster (who had inspired the character), Matthew McConaughey was considered for the role before Depp came on board. McConaughey winning the part over Depp would have had massive implications for both actors' careers and could have reshaped the entire history of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
More of a straightforward pirate story
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