Jerry Bruckheimer has offered an update on Disney’s efforts to relaunch its billion-dollar “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, confirming that Margot Robbie remains attached to one of the projects currently in development.
Two Projects Still in Play
Speaking to The Wrap, Bruckheimer explained that Disney has been developing two separate scripts — a core franchise reboot and a Robbie-led spinoff. “We had two scripts at one point, and then one kinda dropped out, and then we kinda went on with the other one,” he said. Asked if the Robbie vehicle was the project set aside, Bruckheimer clarified: “Well, she’s still involved.”
The producer has previously said that screenwriter Jeff Nathanson, who penned 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales, is working on the primary reboot. Ted Elliott, co-writer of the first four films, is also back on board. The Robbie project, first announced in 2020 with Christina Hodson attached as screenwriter, remains in active — if slower — development.
Franchise Future
Bruckheimer noted that the reboot is currently the priority at Disney, praising parts of Nathanson’s draft while acknowledging that the script is still being refined. He has also hinted that the new film may not be a full reset, suggesting that returning cast members could appear alongside new leads.
The Pirates series, launched in 2003 with The Curse of the Black Pearl, has grossed more than $4.5 billion worldwide across five films. The most recent installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales, underperformed domestically but remained a strong international draw.
Johnny Depp and Returning Faces
Speculation about Johnny Depp’s involvement has continued since his 2022 defamation trial. Bruckheimer has repeatedly expressed interest in having the actor reprise Captain Jack Sparrow “if the script is right,” though no official deal is in place. Other original cast members, including Orlando Bloom, have voiced support for returning. Keira Knightley, meanwhile, has indicated she is unlikely to revisit the franchise.
Robbie’s Role
Robbie’s participation has been the subject of conflicting reports. In 2022, she said her female-led spin-off appeared to be “dead in the water.” Bruckheimer has since contradicted that account several times, stressing that the project remains alive at Disney. Following the global success of Barbie, Robbie’s box office clout could weigh heavily in Disney’s decision on which version of Pirates ultimately sails forward.
Development Timetable
No release date has been set, though industry chatter suggests production on a sixth installment could begin as early as late 2025. For now, both the reboot and Robbie’s spinoff remain in development, as Bruckheimer and Disney navigate how to steer one of their most valuable live-action properties into its next era.