Who knew a movie based on a ride at Disneyland would become one of the more successful and lets face it- beloved film franchises out there. Well, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, for one. Considering his filmography, he kind of knows his way around a hit.
We’ve already had 5 films in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” saga, but a possible 6th one is what we’re here to discuss. Rumors have abounded for some time about what another “Pirates” would focus on. Would we see the Swans again? What about other notable piratical characters from history? But perhaps the most pressing question- would Johnny Depp return as Captain Jack Sparrow?
In 2020, Margot Robbie was announced as developing and possibly starring in a 6th film. It sounded like it would focus on the famous redhead character from the original Disneyland ride (who went from being a pirate bride to a business woman), but nothing really concrete about the story was really confirmed. In 2022, Robbie revealed her project was probably dead. Following the massive success of “Barbie” and her upcoming adaptation of “The Sims,” seeing Robbie being involved is probably unlikely.
Cut to earlier this week, and an interview with Bruckheimer, confirming talks for a 6th film have definitely started again. While doing press for Guy Ritchie‘s upcoming “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” Bruckheimer was asked about some of his notable credits, including “Top Gun” and “Pirates,” and if we’d be seeing anything new there anytime soon.
“It’s hard to tell. You don’t know, you really don’t know,” Bruckheimer said. “You don’t know how they come together. You just don’t know. Because with Top Gun you have an actor who is iconic and brilliant. And how many movies he does before he does Top Gun, I can’t tell you. But we’re gonna reboot Pirates, so that is easier to put together because you don’t have to wait for certain actors.”
Hmm, well, that’s pretty telling. Not having to wait “for certain actors.” That could mean possibly Tom Cruise, regarding a third “Top Gun” film.
We do know “The Last of Us” HBO series creator Craig Mazin wrote a script for a possible 6th “Pirates” film along with original screenwriter Ted Elliot. He called it “too weird,” but revealed Disney bought it anyway. “We pitched it and thought there’s no way they’re buying it, it’s too weird. And they did! And then we wrote a fantastic script and the strike happened and everyone’s waiting around,” Mazin told the LA Times in 2023.
So, it’s clear there’s still interest in the franchise, and possibly movement on top of that. There’s no telling who we may see lead the film, though. We’ll let you know what we hear about this and other news. You can catch all 5 “Pirates of the Caribbean” films on Disney+, as well as various documentaries about the original Disneyland attraction!
“Now, bring me that horizon….”
