For long, Johnny Depp and the wacky character he played in the first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films have been considered essential to the franchise, but, clearly, Disney seems to think differently. Despite ongoing rumors that Depp is considering leaving the fourth installment following unforeseen events, Disney is already hard at work on a fifth and even sixth movie, whether Depp wants in or not, MTV says.

Disney recently parted ways with boss Dick Cook, who was also the man to have sold Depp on the “Pirates” franchise. Because of the sudden departure, the actor is reportedly thinking of not going further with “On Stranger Tides,” the fourth film he has agreed to do, but for which he has not yet signed on the dotted line. Even if Johnny does quit the franchise, Disney will still make Pirates number five and six, reports say, and it’s already looking for other stars to replace him.

Fans, for one, believe “Pirates” is not even possible without Depp, but that’s not what Disney makes of things. “According to a tip received by Cinema Blend, the studio is preparing to replace Depp if / when he decides to abandon ship. This may not happen with ‘On Stranger Tides,’ as Disney is likely prepared to offer him as much money as it takes to keep him aboard. The actor, who is said to be aware the last two movies ‘sucked,’ will definitely not be sticking around for the fifth and sixth installments if the tipster is to be believed.” MTV writes.

So, if Depp does jump ship once the fourth film is a wrap, Disney will come up with better alternatives, not yet ready to just let this highly lucrative franchise die. From what MTV says, the movie studio actually stands great chances of making this work even without Depp, as absurd a notion this might seem to fans. The secret is to introduce a new character in “On Stranger Tides” played by a good (and good-looking) star who can carry an entire franchise on his own, and then the rest is history. Alternatives could be James Franco, Ryan Gosling, Ben Whishaw, Anton Yelchin, or Robert Pattinson, the e-zine argues.

“Is this sad news for us Jack Sparrow lovers? Certainly, but I don’t believe it’s the end of the world for the ‘Pirates’ franchise. Yes, Jack Sparrow – and Depp’s portrayal of him – is terrific and hardly replaceable, but there are other wonderful actors out there who could at least steer the series on their own. And anyway, it might actually be refreshing to follow the adventures of another sort of pirate – a character unlike (and therefore incomparable to) Sparrow.” MTV says of the rumors.