Credit: Frank Phillips, FlickrFor years, rumors have swirled like a whirlpool in the Caribbean Sea about the next direction Disney might take with its Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. One persistent theory among fans was that Margot Robbie’s long-rumored Pirates project would center around Redd, the iconic red-haired female pirate from the Disney Parks attraction. However, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has officially put those rumors to rest.
Speaking recently at The Wrap’s The Grill 2025 conference, Bruckheimer confirmed that while a Margot Robbie-led Pirates project is still in development, it will not focus on the character of Redd, dashing years of speculation. The film will feature an original story and character, not an adaptation of the Disney Parks’ fan-favorite.
The Boardwalk Times shared, “Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed that the Margot Robbie-led PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN film wasn’t going to be about Redd, a character from the Disney Parks attraction.”
Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed that the Margot Robbie-led PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN film wasn’t going to be about Redd, a character from the Disney Parks attraction.
(https://t.co/8lVGYXL3vo) pic.twitter.com/8rGBWtfTrf
— Boardwalk Times (@BoardwalkTimes) October 7, 2025
Who Is Redd?
Redd—formerly known as “The Redhead”—is a fixture of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disney Parks, especially after her 2018 transformation into a rum-loving pirate with a strong, independent streak.
Originally portrayed as a captive in the infamous “wench auction” scene, Redd was reimagined as a swashbuckling rogue who sells off stolen goods (and, of course, rum). She’s bold, brash, and a clear nod to historical female pirates like Anne Bonny. Since her reintroduction, she’s become something of a cult favorite among Disney Parks fans, even getting her own merchandise and backstory involving the cursed treasure of Isla Tesoro.
But despite her popularity, Bruckheimer made it clear: Redd won’t be the focus of Margot Robbie’s film.
The Road to a Reboot
Ever since Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales hit theaters in 2017, there has been plenty of speculation about the future of the franchise. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow had become so iconic that many believed the series couldn’t (or shouldn’t) continue without him.
However, Depp’s legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard caused studios, including Disney, to distance themselves from the actor at the time. While he eventually prevailed in a high-profile defamation case, the damage to his Hollywood standing was done.
In the years since, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has made several public comments about Depp’s potential return, sometimes sounding hopeful, other times noncommittal. Meanwhile, the studio has been quietly exploring multiple Pirates scripts behind the scenes—one of which was rumored to involve Depp, and the other involving a brand-new lead.
Now, Bruckheimer says only one script remains in active development, and that’s the one tied to Margot Robbie.
Why the Redd Theory Made Sense
The theory that Robbie might portray Redd wasn’t far-fetched. She has the charisma, star power, and edge to pull off the role, and her recent turn as Barbie proved she can both lead a blockbuster and bring emotional nuance to a character once dismissed as one-dimensional.
Redd also offers a compelling in-universe explanation for a new lead. She’s already an established part of the Pirates of the Caribbean in the theme parks, and giving her a big-screen origin story could have pleased both Disney loyalists and newcomers.
But Bruckheimer’s clarification confirms that the new film isn’t about adapting park lore—it’s about expanding the Pirates universe with new characters and adventures.
A New Chapter for the High Seas Saga
Bruckheimer didn’t give away much about the plot of the Robbie-led project, but he did confirm that longtime Pirates writer Ted Elliott is attached. Elliott co-wrote four of the five existing films in the series, including Curse of the Black Pearl, and his involvement signals that the new story will likely maintain the tone and spirit that made the original franchise such a global phenomenon.
He also reiterated that Robbie is still “attached in some way,” hinting that her involvement hasn’t diminished despite the delays and reworked scripts. Whether she’ll lead the new film solo or as part of an ensemble cast remains to be seen.
Is Johnny Depp Returning?
Noticeably, Bruckheimer’s recent comments didn’t mention Johnny Depp at all. That’s led many to believe that the studio may be moving forward without Captain Jack Sparrow for good. While fans remain divided on whether a Pirates film can succeed without Depp, Bruckheimer seems focused on taking the franchise in a new direction.
That being said, there’s always room in the Pirates world for a surprise cameo—and with the franchise’s supernatural leanings, no character is ever truly gone forever.
What are the Future Plans for the Franchise?
While no release date has been announced for the next Pirates of the Caribbean film, Disney has been quietly ramping up efforts to revive the franchise. Between Robbie’s confirmed involvement, Elliott’s return, and Bruckheimer’s persistent updates, it’s clear that Disney still sees treasure in the Pirates brand.
And even though Redd won’t be making her big-screen debut just yet, her popularity in the parks suggests that Disney hasn’t shelved her completely—just maybe saved her for another day on the high seas.
So, for now, fans can put the Redd rumors to rest, but the adventure is far from over. A new captain may be at the helm, but the ship is still sailing full speed ahead.