
Earlier this week, The Walt Disney Company revealed updates on an upcoming project, the Disney Adventure. Nestled within the announcements was Captain Jack & the Siren Queen, a project that brings back the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, beloved from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
The Pirates series, which kicked off with The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003, has been a Disney staple for over two decades. Fans were captivated by its swashbuckling adventures, but none more so than by Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the eccentric and charming Captain Jack Sparrow.
However, the franchise’s future has been uncertain, largely due to Depp’s involvement in high-profile legal battles. While he maintains a fiercely loyal fan base and new projects are being developed, Disney has yet to officially announce a sixth Pirates movie.
Still, Captain Jack remains deeply embedded in pop culture. Beyond the films, he appears in video games like “Fortnite” and “Sea of Thieves”, and in various Disney attractions, such as World of Color and meet-and-greet opportunities at Disney theme parks. And now, he’s set to sail again in Captain Jack & the Siren Queen.
This new show will debut on the Disney Adventure, a cruise ship joining the growing Disney Cruise Line fleet. The ship will depart from Singapore on December 15, 2025, for its maiden voyage. It will feature attractions like Marvel Landing and the record-breaking Ironcycle Test Run roller coaster.
Its family-friendly offerings were announced in a recent Disney press release, highlighting how the ship promises something for everyone—whether it’s kid-friendly fun, relaxing spots for adults or shared family experiences.
“Today we unveil the spectacular new Disney Adventure to the world,” said Sarah Fox, Vice President and Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia at Disney Cruise Line. She went on to describe the ship’s unique design, focusing on voyages with dedicated sea days and a wide range of entertainment.
One of the standout attractions is Captain Jack & the Siren Queen*, a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed show. Disney describes it as “a hilarious adventure helmed by everyone’s favorite roguish pirate,” a clear nod to Captain Jack Sparrow’s enduring appeal. However, it’s hard to imagine this character’s charm without Johnny Depp’s iconic portrayal.
Depp’s future with Disney has been complicated. In 2020, Disney cut ties with him following a libel trial in which a London High Court judge found claims of domestic abuse toward Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard to be “substantially true.” As a result, Depp also lost his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, further complicating his Hollywood career.
Despite these controversies, fans have never stopped clamoring for more Pirates content. They’ve even created their own speculations and fan-casting ideas for a potential sixth movie—some imagining Jenna Ortega as Captain Jack’s daughter or even Amber Heard in a role opposite Depp. While such fan theories reflect the franchise’s passionate following, official updates from Disney have remained relatively sparse.
That being said, there is movement behind the scenes. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who has been closely associated with the franchise, confirmed to Entertainment Weekly in May 2024 that two Pirates films are currently in development.
One will feature Margot Robbie in a spinoff role, while the other is a reboot of sorts, which many are calling Pirates of the Caribbean 6. While the reboot will introduce new characters, Bruckheimer expressed hope that Johnny Depp could return in some capacity. As he stated, “It’s a reboot, but if it was up to me, he would be in it.”
The ship that will host Captain Jack & the Siren Queen has its own story. Originally known as the Global Dream, the vessel was acquired by Disney in 2022 and renamed the Disney Adventure. Bookings for the ship are set to open in November 2024, and with its combination of exciting new attractions and the return of Captain Jack, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling addition to Disney’s cruise offerings.
Though the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean films remains uncertain, it’s clear that Captain Jack Sparrow is far from finished. Whether on the high seas or the big screen, his adventures continue to capture imaginations—and with Captain Jack & the Siren Queen on the horizon, the legend of this roguish pirate lives on.
How do you feel about this new Captain Jack Sparrow experience?