After years of swirling rumors and speculation over what direction Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean franchise might take next, longtime producer Jerry Bruckheimer has finally cleared up one of the biggest questions: No, the upcoming Margot Robbie-led film will not be centered around Redd, the red-haired pirate figure popularized in the Disney Parks attraction.
This announcement puts a definitive end to the theory that Robbie would portray the revamped version of the iconic “Redhead” from the classic ride — a character who, in recent years, became a symbol of the attraction's shift toward modern storytelling and inclusion.
So Long, Redd?
For fans of Disney Parks lore, the assumption seemed natural. Redd, once a passive auction item in the original ride, was reimagined into a fiery, rum-selling pirate in 2018, quickly becoming a fan-favorite and a minor cult icon among Disneyland and Magic Kingdom regulars. Her sassy dialogue, bold demeanor, and mysterious ties to the world of Pirates of the Caribbean made her a prime candidate for big-screen treatment.
The Boardwalk Times said, “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
But according to Bruckheimer, that won’t be happening—at least not in the Margot Robbie project.
“We had two scripts at one point,” he said during a recent appearance at The Wrap’s Grill 2025 conference. “One kind of dropped out, and we went with the other one.” That “other one” is apparently an all-new story that, while still set in the Pirates universe, will not pull from the theme park attraction’s existing characters like Redd.
Not Your Park’s Pirate
Redd, as she appears in the ride, is a female pirate who helps raid a Caribbean town for treasure. She’s also known for stirring up a bit of controversy: her modern depiction replaced the original “Bride Auction” scene, offering a more empowering (and less problematic) portrayal. Her character has roots in real pirate lore — inspired loosely by historical outlaw Anne Bonny — and she features prominently in both physical set design and Disney merchandise.
Her upgraded presence was so prominent that many assumed Disney was laying groundwork for a potential spin-off or solo film. Add Margot Robbie’s proven star power and action chops into the mix, and the Redd theory started to look like a sure bet.
But Bruckheimer’s comments make it clear: Redd won’t be part of this chapter in the franchise.
What’s Margot Robbie Actually Doing in Pirates?
Bruckheimer didn’t drop many plot details, but he did confirm that Margot Robbie is still attached to the developing film “in some way.” Though rumors once suggested that Disney was crafting a female-led reboot separate from the Jack Sparrow saga, updates on that front have been scarce—until now.
The new film’s script is being penned by Ted Elliott, the screenwriter behind four of the five existing Pirates films. That connection gives fans hope that the story will still carry the familiar tone, humor, and swashbuckling magic the series is known for—even if the cast and plot are completely new.
What Bruckheimer didn’t mention, notably, was Johnny Depp.
The Jack Sparrow Question
The elephant in the room remains: Is Depp out for good? For years, Pirates news has been inextricably tied to the legal saga between Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard. Though Depp eventually won his defamation suit in 2022, Disney had already distanced itself from the actor.
Bruckheimer has previously expressed a desire to work with Depp again, but his absence from this latest update has fans wondering whether Disney is finally closing the book on Captain Jack Sparrow entirely. With one of the two planned scripts now reportedly shelved, it’s possible that Depp’s would-be return was attached to the script that didn’t make the cut.
If that’s the case, Robbie’s character could end up anchoring a new generation of Pirates stories.
The Franchise Sets Sail Again
It’s been eight years since Dead Men Tell No Tales hit theaters, and in that time, the Pirates brand has remained in a kind of limbo. Merchandise still sells, park rides remain among the most beloved at Disney resorts, and fans continue to push for a proper sendoff — or reboot — worthy of the franchise’s legacy.
With Bruckheimer finally confirming that a script is in active development and Robbie still on board, it seems that a sixth film is officially on the horizon — just not the one some fans were expecting.
And while Redd’s fans may be disappointed that her big screen debut isn’t happening (yet), this doesn’t necessarily mean she’s gone for good. Given the size and scope of the Pirates universe, there’s always room for new tales — and returning legends.
As the tides change for Disney’s seafaring saga, one thing is certain: a new adventure is brewing on the horizon. Whether it features rum, revenge, or rogue pirates, only time will tell who will be steering the ship next.
