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The iconic Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is charting a new course, with Disney preparing to launch a sixth installment set to begin production in late 2025. But fans may be in for a surprise, as this next adventure will not feature Johnny Depp’s unforgettable Captain Jack Sparrow.
Credit: Disney
Instead, the reboot will explore new stories and characters within the Pirates universe, introducing fresh talent and taking the series in an ambitious new direction.
The update on the reboot’s status was shared by Jordan Ruimy, editor and insider at World of Reel, who has a history of uncovering major production developments. Ruimy recently obtained a production grid for the untitled project, confirming that filming is planned in St. Vincent—a familiar setting for the franchise’s swashbuckling scenery. This next film marks a significant shift, as Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer steer away from the familiar faces and themes that defined the original movies.
Why Johnny Depp Isn’t Returning as Captain Jack
Credit: Disney
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow became one of Hollywood’s most iconic characters, drawing audiences to theaters with each new Pirates installment. However, Depp’s absence from this reboot is not unexpected. In recent years, Depp has been involved in high-profile legal battles and personal controversies, casting a shadow over his career and potentially influencing Disney’s decision to explore new directions for the franchise.
Disney’s decision to move forward with Pirates of the Caribbean without Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow is rooted in the high-profile controversies surrounding Depp’s personal life, especially his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. Their tumultuous relationship and ensuing lawsuits drew widespread media attention, revealing allegations of abuse from both parties. These court cases, covered extensively in the press, sparked considerable public debate and polarized fans, ultimately impacting Depp’s public image and reputation.
As a family-oriented brand, Disney is cautious about any associations that could affect its brand image. Depp’s involvement in the Pirates franchise had already seen mixed responses from audiences following these controversies, and Disney’s decision to cut ties was likely influenced by a desire to protect the franchise’s appeal and maintain a positive image. By opting for a reboot, Disney aims to refocus the franchise with fresh faces and narratives that distance it from the actor’s legal and personal controversies, while giving Pirates the chance to reach new audiences without the baggage of recent years, even if Depp was innocent.
While Disney may think this way, the fans have certainly not agreed.
What We Know About Pirates 6: A New Vision for the Franchise
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Producer Jerry Bruckheimer recently shared that Disney’s approach involves two separate Pirates projects in development. According to Bruckheimer, one of these films will introduce an entirely new cast and storyline, while the other will focus on a female-led narrative. In a 2023 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bruckheimer said, “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.”
That being said, Margot’s involvement has been written out of the franchise.
The writing team includes some familiar names: Craig Mazin, creator of HBO’s hit series The Last of Us, teamed up with Ted Elliott, a co-writer of the original Pirates script, to work on an early draft. Jeff Nathanson, a writer known for his experience with blockbuster scripts (The Young Woman and the Sea), has since polished the screenplay, and Bruckheimer has hinted that the story has come together well, particularly praising the film’s climactic third act.
Reimagining a Beloved Franchise: What Will Pirates Look Like Without Jack Sparrow?
For many, Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow was the reason Pirates of the Caribbean became a cultural phenomenon. His character brought humor, intrigue, and a sense of unpredictability that set the series apart from other action-adventure films. Yet the franchise has struggled in recent years, with the last film, Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), receiving lukewarm reviews. The absence of Sparrow raises the question of whether Disney can recapture the magic without him—or if a fresh approach is exactly what the franchise needs.
With rumors of a more female-centric storyline, Disney appears to be embracing diversity in storytelling, allowing different voices to play a central role in Pirates lore. Robbie’s role, if confirmed, would likely carry the same blend of charisma and courage that made Sparrow such a compelling lead, though with an updated twist that could reinvigorate the series for a new era.
The Challenge of Reboots: Reinventing a Legacy
Reboots are a familiar trend in Hollywood, with studios revisiting old franchises to appeal to both nostalgic fans and new audiences. Yet, reimagining Pirates of the Caribbean is no easy task. The original 2003 film, The Curse of the Black Pearl, captured lightning in a bottle, delivering a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and supernatural elements. As the series continued, the reliance on Captain Jack’s character to carry increasingly elaborate plots began to wear thin, with sequels struggling to match the success of the first film.
Bruckheimer’s recent comments indicate that Disney is taking this reboot seriously, aiming to avoid simply rehashing the familiar formula. By embracing new characters, new voices, and a new narrative approach, Disney has the opportunity to make Pirates 6 feel both familiar and refreshingly different, honoring the franchise’s roots while taking it in a bold new direction.
What Fans Can Expect from Pirates Moving Forward
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With production slated for late 2025, it will be some time before fans see what Disney’s reboot of Pirates truly holds. Yet, the vision laid out by Bruckheimer, Mazin, and Nathanson suggests that this will be more than just a “next chapter”—it will be a reimagining of what a Pirates of the Caribbean film can be.
For fans worried about the absence of Jack Sparrow, this reboot offers a chance to see the Pirates world from a new perspective, one that may breathe new life into the franchise. With the possibility of a female-driven storyline led by a fresh cast of characters, Disney is inviting fans to rediscover the Pirates universe from a different angle, one that respects the franchise’s adventurous spirit while exploring uncharted waters.
As Hollywood continues to reinvent its beloved properties, Pirates stands as a unique case—one that walks the line between nostalgia and reinvention. Though Jack Sparrow won’t be at the helm, Disney’s new approach aims to keep the Pirates magic alive, offering audiences a blend of daring adventure, fresh storytelling, and a new wave of unforgettable characters.
Is it worth Disney’s time to bring back Pirates of the Caribbean without Jack Sparrow?
