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Credit: DisneyFans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise can look forward to fresh winds on the horizon, as the sixth installment in the beloved series is officially set to begin production in late 2025.
The production will take place in St. Vincent, a Caribbean locale that served as a stunning backdrop in earlier films in the series.
This news was first reported by Jordan Ruimy, a respected film journalist and editor for World of Reel, a website known for breaking news and in-depth analysis on upcoming films and projects in Hollywood. Ruimy’s credibility as a film insider and access to production grids have made his updates highly valued by fans and industry insiders alike.
What We Know About Pirates of the Caribbean 6
Details are still sparse, but this next chapter of Pirates of the Caribbean is expected to bring significant changes, including a new cast, a fresh storyline, and a likely shift away from the franchise’s iconic character, Captain Jack Sparrow.
Earlier this year, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, a long-time force behind the Pirates franchise, revealed that Disney plans to reboot Pirates with two separate films in development. One is expected to feature an entirely new cast, while the other is rumored to be female-centric.
Bruckheimer explained the dual approach, saying, “It’s two different movies. We hope to get ’em both made, and I think Disney agrees they really want to make the Margot [Robbie] one, too.”
This move marks a significant departure from previous installments, suggesting a bolder, more inclusive approach to storytelling within the Pirates universe. Margot has since been removed from the project since that statement.
One of these projects is believed to be the film originally written by Craig Mazin, creator of HBO’s The Last of Us, and Ted Elliott, who co-wrote the original Pirates film, The Curse of the Black Pearl. Their initial draft was later reworked by screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, known for his work on The Young Woman and the Sea.
Bruckheimer has praised Nathanson’s progress, particularly highlighting a “great, great third act” that captures the spirit of the original films, though he noted that some adjustments are still needed in the first and second acts.
Why Johnny Depp Won’t Be Returning as Captain Jack Sparrow
Despite fan speculation, Johnny Depp is not expected to return as the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow, a role that not only launched Depp to superstardom but also became the defining heartbeat of the franchise. The decision likely stems from several factors.
In recent years, Depp’s public legal battles and allegations have brought significant controversy, which may have influenced Disney’s decision to move forward without him. The franchise, once heavily reliant on Depp’s quirky and unpredictable performance, seems set on a new path that will not lean on Captain Jack as its central character.
For many fans, Depp’s absence may be a tough pill to swallow. His character defined the Pirates series, from Jack Sparrow’s sly wit to his outrageous misadventures. Some believe that Jack Sparrow was not only the heart of the franchise but also the primary draw for audiences, especially as later installments received mixed reviews.
The last film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), struggled to recapture the magic of earlier entries, despite Depp’s performance. With the absence of Sparrow, this reboot has sparked debate among fans about whether a Pirates movie can succeed without him.
What Fans Can Expect from the Reboot
While it’s hard to replace an icon like Jack Sparrow, Disney and Bruckheimer are betting on fresh talent and a shift in tone to reinvigorate the franchise.
This next chapter may also revisit the Pirates world in a way that honors the original’s adventurous spirit while modernizing it for a new audience. With Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott at the helm of the script’s original concept, fans can hope for a storyline that intertwines thrilling action with clever dialogue and memorable characters.
Mazin’s reputation for crafting complex narratives and character-driven plots, combined with Elliott’s history with the franchise, could yield a refreshing take on pirate lore, though specifics remain closely guarded.
A Look at the Franchise’s Legacy
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise first set sail in 2003 with The Curse of the Black Pearl, a film that received widespread acclaim and has since become a classic. The movie’s swashbuckling tone, enchanting visuals, and compelling characters – especially Depp’s Jack Sparrow – made it an instant hit, spawning four sequels over the years.
However, after the success of the first film, the sequels faced mixed reviews, with critics and fans noting that the series became overly reliant on Sparrow’s eccentricity and spectacle rather than developing a more cohesive narrative.
In the years since, the franchise’s popularity has ebbed, with Dead Men Tell No Tales marking a low point for many fans. Its mixed reception left a question mark over the series’ future, but Disney’s recent reboot efforts indicate that they’re willing to take a new approach to continue the legacy.
Are Reboots Necessary?
The decision to reboot Pirates rather than continue with a direct sequel also reflects Hollywood’s trend toward reimagining existing properties rather than producing entirely original stories. Reboots have become a popular choice for studios looking to revive beloved franchises with a new twist or updated cast.
While some fans feel these efforts can dilute the magic of the originals, others are excited to see fresh takes on their favorite worlds.
For Pirates of the Caribbean, these two upcoming films offer a chance to explore uncharted waters, free from the weight of previous storylines. Although Johnny Depp’s iconic Jack Sparrow won’t be part of the voyage, the cast and crew are shaping a story that aims to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
With production set for late 2025, it may be some time before more details emerge about the next Pirates installment.