Eight years since the last installment in the franchise, the big question forPirates of the Caribbeanfans is: why isPirates of the Caribbean 6taking so long? Since 2003, thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchisehas released a movie every couple of years, grossing over $4.5 billion worldwide at the box office, earning its fame as one of the top 20 highest-grossing film series. The last movie in the franchise,Dead Men Tell No Tales, released in 2017 and, going by previous release date trends, that meansPirates of the Caribbean 6should be on the horizon soon.
However,Pirates of the Caribbean 6has been on rocky ground for quite some time. There are plenty ofstorylines and characters anotherPirates of the Caribbeanmovie would need to considerin order for the franchise to bounce back after its long hiatus, especially with the most recent movies’ dwindling Rotten Tomatoes scores. Furthermore, controversy surrounding Captain Jack Sparrow’s Johnny Depp has complicated the franchise’s future, with many calling into question if the actor should return. Therefore, with so much to consider, it makes sense thatPirates of the Caribbean 6updateshave been rather slow over the years.
Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Has Been In Development Since At Least 2019
Updates On The POTC Franchise Have Been Confusing
Pirates of the Caribbean 6has been in development since at least 2019.Originally, it was reported that Disney were planning to shootDead Men Tell No Talesand the sixth movie back-to-back, with confirmation of Carina Smyth’s Kaya Scodelario and director Joachim Rønning returning. In 2020, franchiseproducer Jerry Bruckheimer also stated that thescript was nearly finished, although no further news was shared. However,Jerry Bruckheimer recently updatedPirates of the Caribbean’sscript timelinein an interview withComicBook.com, sharing that it will be finished shortly and expressing hope for Disney’s acceptance. Check out Bruckheimer’s comment below:
“We have a script that’s being written right now. Hopefully it’ll come in in a month or so, and it’ll be as good as I think it will be. So let’s hope that Disney likes it and they give us an opportunity to make it.”
Due to delays caused by controversy involving Johnny Depp and his defamation case as well as the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, there have been mixed updates for anotherPirates of the Caribbeanmovie following the fifth movie’s ending. As a result of the repeated script updates, it appears that previousPirates of the Caribbean 6scripts have not lived up to Disney’s expectations for the franchise. However,Jerry Bruckheimer’s new update delivers hope thatPirates of the Caribbean 6will finally be greenlit,as the producer cites that “it’ll be as good as I think it’ll be.”
Bruckheimer’s new update confirmsPirates of the Caribbean 6’sreboot premise should Disney accept the new script
Interestingly, in an earlierComicBook.cominterview in March 2024,producerBruckheimer also confirmed the sixth film would be a reboot, explaining “we’re gonna reboot Pirates, so that is easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors.” The “certain actors” Bruckheimer is most likely referring to is Johnny Depp, as the actor has had a lot of behind-the-scenes controversy in recent years. A reboot has long been rumored due to the franchise’s hiatus and Johnny Depp’s uncertain return, but Bruckheimer’s new update confirmsPirates of the Caribbean 6’sreboot premise, should Disney accept the new script.
Pirates Of The Caribbean’s Future Became Uncertain Amidst Johnny Depp’s Behind-The-Scenes Controversy
Depp Made His Position On Returning To The POTC Franchise Very Clear
As a lead role in thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise,Johnny Depp’s involvement as the eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the main reasons the movies have been so successful. Therefore, when Johnny Depp became involved in a defamation suit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, who had insinuated that he was abusive, the controversy caused problems for the franchise, allegedly leading to Disney cutting ties with the actor. As a result, Depp claimed in court that he would not return toPirates of the Caribbean 6.Varietyquoted the exchange between Johnny Depp and Heard’s attorney below:
“The fact is, Mr. Depp, if Disney came to you with $300 million and a million alpacas, nothing on this earth would get you to go back and work with Disney on a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film? Correct?”
Depp answered: “That is true, Mr. Rottenborn.”
This public comment about the famous role has caused a lot ofproblems forPirates of the Caribbean 6as it appeared Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow would not return, which meant the franchise’smain selling point was lost.Pirates of the Caribbean 6was reportedly in the works at the time, although it had not yet been greenlit, with Depp describing the movie in “dangle mode.” However,Depp’s statement put the sixthPirates of the Caribbeanfilm on hold, with Disney considering other options for the franchise’s future, including a reboot, which has now been confirmed by Jerry Bruckheimer.
What Has Been Said About Johnny Depp’s Return To Pirates Of The Caribbean
POTC Producer’s Comments Suggest Depp’s Return Is Still Possible
WithPirates of the Caribbean 6supposedly moving ahead as a reboot instead of a sequel, it does leave many wondering if Johnny Depp will ever make a reappearance in the franchise. His previous comment during the 2022 trial demonstrated that the answer was a resounding “no,” butproducer Jerry Bruckheimer has expressed that he is still open for Johnny Depp to return toPirates of the Caribbean. Many feel the franchise would not be the same without Captain Jack Sparrow, and Depp’s future involvement is still uncertain, especially as there were allegedly two scripts written just in case.
Every “Treasure” In The Pirates Of The Caribbean Franchise Explained
There are five main “treasures” in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, including Macguffins and other desired objects which inform the main plot.
With a potential two scripts in the works, “Nothing has been ruled out” in regard toJohnny Depp’s possible return to thePirates of the Caribbeanmovie franchise. Furthermore, a source close to Depp toldPEOPLEin 2023 that “Anything is possible. If it’s the right project, he’ll do it.” While he has not directly addressed these claims, meaningit is still unclear whether Johnny Depp has changed his mind years on from the famous defamation trial, it does offer some hope thatPirates of the Caribbean 6is not completely off the table for the Captain Jack Sparrow actor.
Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Is Not The Only POTC Movie In The Cards
Margot Robbie’s Movie & 1 Other POTC Spinoff Are Still Happening
Despite audiences eagerly waiting for the highly anticipatedPirates of the Caribbean 6, there are actually a few projects in the franchise that are in development. In 2020, it was announced that there would be a female-centricPirates of the Caribbeanspinoff movie featuring Margot Robbieas the lead role. However, there have been very few updates on the project since its initial announcement, leading to rumors that the movie had been canceled. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has since debunked the cancelation rumors, claimingMargot Robbie’s movie is still going ahead, butPirates of the Caribbean 6has taken precedence.
ConfirmedPirates of the CaribbeanProjects
Pirates of the Caribbean 6
UntitledPirates of the Caribbeanspinoff starring a younger cast
There have been numerousPirates of the Caribbeansequels and rebootsrumored over the years, and their production status is ever-changing, causing a lot of confusion. Yet,there appears to be a total of three confirmedPirates of the Caribbeanprojects in development,according to Bruckheimer. With so much at stake to continue the famous franchise, and the uncertainty of Johnny Depp’s involvement inPirates of the Caribbean 6, it makes sense thesePirates of the Caribbeanprojects are taking a long time, especially as they need to be done right to rectify the franchise’s falling Rotten Tomatoes scores.
Source:ComicBook.com,PEOPLE,Variety.
Pirates of the Caribbean
A series of fantasy swashbuckler films produced by Disney, featuring the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow. Known for its supernatural elements, high-seas action, and iconic characters, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon and was loosely based on the Disney theme park ride of the same name.
