Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is an exciting prospect for many, even if Johnny Depp may not return as Jack Sparrow, and there is a ready-made Depp replacement from a previous movie that could just about work. In a sense, no one could ever replace Jack Sparrow in any Pirates of the Caribbean 6 movie, as he made the franchise what it is and his swagger is never unwelcome. However, replacing Depp with one key Pirates of the Caribbean character would serve the dual purpose of reviving the underused character as well as filling a role that Depp may not be able to take.

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is in development and producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed that he has spoken to Johnny Depp about reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. This news comes despite the chequered history between Depp and the franchise. While Depp’s return has not yet been confirmed, the possibility of a movie with a new direction and a different lead remains. Fresh ideas, with or without Depp, could end up creating one of the best Pirates of the Caribbean movies yet made, and one actress may be the ideal star to put those ideas into practice.

Angelica Was Actually A Great Pirates Of The Caribbean Character

Angelica Would Be A Strong Focus For POTC

Penélope Cruz’s Angelica was a great addition to Pirates of the Caribbean and Cruz would make a wonderful lead in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean 6. Cruz is a consummate star to rival Johnny Depp and could steal the limelight just as easily as he could. She has charisma and sex appeal like Depp and all the depth and experience to back up her complicated character. Angelica was capable as a fighter in Pirates of the Caribbean, proving her propensity to lead the action elements of Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

Angelica wasn’t just charismatic and a fighter to stand up to Sparrow’s heroics, but a fierce intellect. Part of Jack Sparrow’s appeal was his cutting wit and sarcastic humor. Cruz carried Angelica’s intelligence well, which was important because the character was well-written and highly insightful. Angelica could match Jack Sparrow mentally, and this makes her perfect to lead the new movie or star alongside Depp if he returns. Also, Angelica’s leadership role in Pirates of the Caribbean ensures that she is perfectly placed to take control of a new narrative.

Pirates Of The Caribbean Wasted Angelica On Jack & Blackbeard’s Arcs

Penélope Cruz’s Brilliant Angelica Wasn’t Exploited Fully

Angelica was wasted as a character in The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. She was a participant in Jack Sparrow’s romance subplot and also a member of the Blackbeard rescue plot. With Sparrow as her old flame and on-off lover and Blackbeard as her father, Angelica was positioned as a central member of the story’s intrigue. However, she was also in the shadow of the male characters, who took up pride of place in earlier movies. Angelica’s Jack Sparrow romance could use a refresher for Jack’s sake as well, since his inability to develop his relationship with Angelica quickly became tired.

Penélope Cruz played Angelica in 2011’s
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Angelica’s absorption into the Blackbeard plot didn’t appear to do her character justice. Angelica continually tried to save her father, although he was prepared to sacrifice her life without many issues. Someone as intelligent as Angelica should have cottoned on to Blackbeard’s less-than-honorable intentions, even if he was her father. Or, perhaps, especially because he was her father. This was a flaw in the writing of Angelica’s character, as she was built up to be stronger and smarter than that. Exploring the psychology of Angelica’s obsession with her father could have helped justify her behavior.

There Was A Problem With Angelica’s Pirates Of The Caribbean Future (That Could Be Changed By POTC 6)

POTC 6 Could Fix An Angelica Problem

Throughout Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the strength of Angelica’s script varied, but Pirates of the Caribbean 6 could put that right. When the script was strongest, Angelica appeared independent and on the verge of breaking free from her father’s influence. But in the final moments of On Stranger Tides, it became totally clear that Angelica’s arc had always been about saving her father. As such, her potential was finally sacrificed in order to benefit Ian McShane’s Blackbeard. It was a shame, brilliant though McShane was.

It would make a lot of sense for the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie to bring back Angelica. Angelica’s last appearance in the franchise involved her picking up a Voodoo Doll and smiling knowingly, teasing an exciting future. This may have suggested a continuation of Angelica’s romance with Jack Sparrow, since the Voodoo Doll related to him. It was odd not to bring Angelica back for the next movie, considering this ending. Pirates of the Caribbean 6 shouldn’t ignore Penélope Cruz’s unfinished business with the franchise.

In bringing Cruz back, Pirates of the Caribbean could resuscitate an excellent character, tie up loose ends, and breathe fresh air into the franchise. An Angelica return is the franchise’s chance to do her character justice and create some kind of satisfying conclusion to her Jack Sparrow romance, once and for all. A proper break-up or a redemptive and conclusive understanding between the two is needed. Cruz should return alongside Depp, should he rejoin Pirates of the Caribbean for its next outing. But if he doesn’t, Cruz is the perfect lead for Pirates of the Caribbean 6.