New Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Development: What to Remember

LOS ANGELES, CA — Almost 22 years after the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” Disney is developing two new films in the franchise. The first film remains a standout for its blend of history, action, and fantasy, largely due to the memorable character of Captain Jack Sparrow, portrayed by Johnny Depp.

The original movie successfully combined elements of swashbuckling adventure with a compelling storyline, exploring themes of love and betrayal. In contrast, the sequels struggled to capture this essence. Starting with “Dead Man's Chest” in 2006, the sequels introduced more characters and locations, including the sinister Lord Cutler Beckett and the eerie Flying Dutchman. While this expanded the world, it also complicated the narrative, veering away from the original’s straightforward charm.

The trilogy finale, “At World's End,” raised the stakes for all pirates but still maintained an intricate mythology. However, the fourth and fifth installments, including “Dead Men Tell No Tales” in 2017, failed to recreate the original’s intimate yet epic feel. The love story between Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, played by Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, was diluted in these later films.

As Disney plans its new installments, one being a reboot and the other a spin-off, there is hope that the franchise can rejuvenate its appeal. The fantasy and lore that captivated audiences need to be balanced with concise storytelling. The visuals from the initial films set a remarkable standard, notably the eerie designs of characters like Davy Jones who were unlike anything seen in previous pirate films.

To make a successful return to the big screen, the creators should focus on the same elements that made “Curse of the Black Pearl” a classic: a tight plot and relatable stakes. With no immediate competition from other pirate-themed films, this franchise has a chance to reclaim its status and delight both new fans and loyal followers if the right approach is taken.