Apparently Depp is a fan of Brand's and has quite a bit of say so in who he works with so treat this as a pinch of salt and let your ears and eyes believe what you want. But this may be a hint in the story line Pirates 5 will take us. With a "side-kick" there are many routes the franchise could take;
- Sparrow could want a child, an heir to the sea.
- Could be a humble stranger he wants to tutor and simply sees himself in said "side-kick."
- Long lost son could come up, we all know Capt. Jack gets around.
Whatever it may be, Pirates 5 needs a good core cast. Anything less and it film will be a bore. Sparrow needs energy and criminal situations to make the story entertaining. After all he is Capt. Jack Sparrow.