Depp: Tough To Say "So Long" To Capt. Jack
The role of Captain Jack Sparrow brought Johnny Depp an Oscar nomination and a huge new following.
But that role is, apparently, ending.
The final film in what's supposed to be a trilogy, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" opens Friday.
And Depp admitted to The Early Show national correspondent Tracy Smith that it hasn't been easy letting go of Captain Jack.
"It sounds ludicrous," Depp said, "because, you're talking about an imaginary being, in a way. But having been that character for, you know, a good number of years — for sometimes 12 to 14 to 15 hours a day, for months on end or years on end — it's like saying goodbye to a person. I mean, to a … living, breathing thing. So … it's very emotional."
Depp based the Captain Jack character on his idol, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards who, much to Depp's delight, did a cameo in "At World's End."
"It was a little frightening" playing Captain Jack in front of Richards, Depp said with a laugh. "What was really interesting for me was that, you know, fascinating, to — to sort of introduce Keith to Captain Jack!
"He seemed very good about it. You know, 'cause he could've, you know, he could have initially just said, you know, 'How dare you base a character on me?' " Depp continued, with another chuckle. "But he was great. He was a real gentleman about it."
To see photos from the premiere, at Disneyland, of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," click here.
Captain Jack has struck a nerve with film fans worldwide, but Depp says he isn't sure why!
"It's very touching. … I can't quite put my finger on that. … I could say, it must be something to do with, you know, being allowed to be so irreverent. You know, and getting away with it!"
Smith pointed out that a psychologist once said people love to identify with a character who has every vice possible but gets away with it. He's the new superhero.
"From an actor's point of view," Depp said, "playing the character, there was a real safety in … just to be — saying what you feel in the moment, without, you know, editing."
Asked if he thinks people would like to be able to do that, Depp responded, "Yeah. I think probably some people can identify with that. Yeah."
Smith noted that Depp loves the fact that fans have made such a connection. He's known for spending hours at premieres and on movie sets signing autographs for fans.
"They bought the tickets," Depp explained, "and they paid your salary. So, you know, I figure they're my bosses, you know. I'd better get out there and — if they want me to sign stuff, go sign stuff!"
The first two "Pirates" films have taken in a staggering $1.7 billion worldwide, a far cry from the early days of Depp's career, when he starred in offbeat films such as "Benny and June," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" and "Ed Wood," all of which were critical favorites, but box office disappointments.
Now, Depp is one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
"I — you know, more and more absurd things keep happening. … I don't think I could have enjoyed a ride like this 15 or 20 years ago. … I don't think I'd have been ready for it. And I don't think I would have had the perspective on it … and the sense of humor about it. Because you have to, at the same moment that you go, 'Isn't this great?' You know? You have to be able to say, 'Yeah, but it could all evaporate tomorrow.' "
Next up for Depp: his sixth collaboration with director Tim Burton. It's a film version of the Broadway musical "Sweeny Todd" and is slated to his theaters in December.
