10 Movie Concepts That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Somehow Did)

9. A Film Based On A Theme Park Ride (Pirates Of The Caribbean)

Joker 2019
Disney

Remember when Johnny Depp wasn't an ever-drunk one trick pony?

Well, as much as we can applaud the inspired decision to create a movie that found its origins in a theme park ride, the eventual series was as much to blame for its star's fall from grace as anybody.

But, that argument's for another list.

Instead, it's probably worth deconstructing just how bananas the idea of basing a series (never mind a stand-alone) on the last ride Walt Disney personally participated in designing - with the ride being debuted just three months after his death

The immersive boat ride saw guests repeatedly plunge into the depths of Dead Man's Cove, before skating through thunderstorms and ferocious battles.

It was entertaining, sure, but it didn't immediately offer a string of characters or narrative that could be brought to life in the same way that a novel adaptation did. Yet, somehow it worked and Disney created a whole range of profitable personalities including the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, who Depp managed to sail through countless scrapes and five whole movies.

Sparrow was even introduced as a character in the actual ride in 2006, adding another peculiar beat to this truly remarkable series of events.

Contributor
Contributor

Lifts rubber and metal. Watches people flip in spandex and pretends to be other individuals from time to time...