Disney Quietly Releases New "Pirates of the Caribbean" Series

Fans of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise are raising their eyebrows after a new series was quietly released on the company’s streaming platform.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its blend of high-seas adventure, supernatural elements, and unforgettable characters. Debuting in 2003 with Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the series introduced audiences to the eccentric and charming Captain Jack Sparrow, portrayed by Johnny Depp. Set in the Golden Age of Piracy, the films follow Captain Jack as he navigates treacherous waters, encounters mythical creatures, and seeks legendary treasures alongside a colorful cast of characters.

Now, Disney+ has quietly introduced a new series that bears a striking resemblance to the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Titled Renegade Nell, the show takes a bold departure from traditional pirate tales by presenting a story devoid of pirates and ships, instead focusing on a fearless female protagonist in a Robin Hood-esque narrative.

While not explicitly marketed as a counterpart to Pirates of the Caribbean, the trailer for Renegade Nell suggests a clear inspiration drawn from the adventurous spirit of the iconic pirate captain portrayed by Johnny Depp.

The series follows the adventures of Nelly Jackson, a resourceful young woman who finds herself unjustly accused of murder. Forced to flee, Nell embraces a life of highway robbery alongside her sisters, carving out a reputation as one of England’s most notorious outlaws. Accompanied by her spirited companion, Billy Blind, Nell embarks on a journey filled with humor, danger, and unexpected twists. Set against the backdrop of 1705 England, Renegade Nell weaves a tale of intrigue and magic as Nell discovers her role in a larger conspiracy aimed at the Queen of England.

What’s next for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise?

Disney has not officially announced any plans for Pirates of the Caribbean, but there have been numerous reports on what will be coming in the next several months.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer most recently shared updates on the sixth installment of the franchise, which will take a major departure from the previous five films, which include Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006), Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017).

In the interview, Bruckheimer revealed that the next installment would be a “reboot,” meaning that we likely won’t be seeing beloved characters like Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), and Elizabeth Swann Turner (Keira Knightley) back at the helm. Instead, Disney will be focusing on a new story, and Disney “won’t have to wait for certain actors.”

“It’s hard to tell,” Bruckheimer said. “You don’t know. You really don’t know. You don’t know how they come together. You just don’t know. Because with ‘Top Gun’ you have an actor who is iconic and brilliant. And how many movies he does before he does ‘Top Gun,’ I can’t tell you. But we’re gonna reboot ‘Pirates,’ so that is easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors.”

Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott have pitched scripts to Disney, including one that had Margot Robbie at the helm. Still, the company has not confirmed what direction it will be heading.

Beyond its entertainment value, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has also left a lasting impact on popular culture. The iconic character of Captain Jack Sparrow has become synonymous with Johnny Depp’s charismatic performance, earning him widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations. Additionally, the franchise has inspired updates to the Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom) and Disneyland theme park attractions, merchandise, and a devoted fanbase that continues to embrace the spirit of adventure embodied by the films.

What do you think should be next for POTC? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments below!