The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which has been a major part of Disney’s slate for over two decades, has not seen a new installment since 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales. Despite the long hiatus, producer Jerry Bruckheimer has confirmed that a reboot featuring Margot Robbie is still underway. This reboot aims to breathe new life into the series, and Robbie’s involvement remains intact as the project moves forward.
Script Revisions Underway with Key Writers Returning
Jerry Bruckheimer revealed in conversation with The Wrap that the reboot has gone through some script developments. Originally, there were two scripts in consideration, but one was dropped in favor of refining the other. Pirates veteran Ted Elliott contributed to the current script, with additional writers brought on to help complete the narrative.
“We had two scripts at one point, and then one kind of dropped out and we kind of went with the other one. [Margot Robbie’s] still involved … [Pirates of the Caribbean veteran Ted Elliott] worked on [the script], and we’ve brought someone else in to fill in the blanks.” – Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer
This information offers reassurance to fans who had feared the reboot starring Robbie might have been shelved indefinitely.
Uncertain Future for Johnny Depp and Captain Jack Sparrow
The prospect of a new Pirates iteration inevitably raises questions about Johnny Depp’s potential return as Captain Jack Sparrow, the franchise’s iconic figure. Bruckheimer hasn’t ruled out Depp’s involvement, stating openness to working with him if he is interested in the script. However, there is recognition that the franchise may benefit from focusing on a new lead character, allowing Jack Sparrow’s story to rest.
Margot Robbie’s Growing Status as a Franchise Lead
Margot Robbie has demonstrated an ability to carry large-scale projects, suggesting she could anchor a revamped Pirates saga successfully. While her film A Big Bold Beautiful Journey struggled at the box office, she recently starred in the blockbuster Barbie, which grossed over a billion dollars. Additionally, her portrayal of Harley Quinn in the DC Universe proved her capacity to play dynamic, larger-than-life characters. A pirate-themed lead role could complement her strengths well.
Franchise Challenges and Need for a Fresh Direction
The Pirates franchise has faced increasing challenges in recent years, with the last two movies, On Stranger Tides and Dead Men Tell No Tales, receiving lukewarm reviews and declining box office returns. On Stranger Tides earned only a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Dead Men Tell No Tales scored 30%. The latter also marked the franchise’s lowest box office haul since its original film, earning $794.8 million.
Though On Stranger Tides managed to exceed $1 billion globally, the trend of diminishing returns and mixed reception underscores the need for a revitalization. Disney aims to reboot Pirates not just with a single movie but to reestablish the franchise’s relevance with long-term plans, making a strong first step crucial.
Disney’s Strategy: A Reboot Centered on Margot Robbie
Currently, only one Pirates project appears to be advancing, the Margot Robbie-led reboot. This new approach offers Disney an opportunity to reimagine the series from the ground up, possibly shifting its tone and focus for a new generation of viewers. Whether Johnny Depp returns as Jack Sparrow remains undecided, but Disney’s intention is to set a bold, fresh course that moves beyond past difficulties.
