6 Ways Disney Can Still Save Pirates Of The Caribbean 6

Pirates Of The Caribbean screenwriter Stuart Beattie seemingly confirmed Johnny Depp’s exit from the once great Pirates franchise in a recent interview. He talked up the idea of a reboot and said Depp has had ‘a great run’ and advised him ‘don’t frown because it’s over, smile because it happened’. It’s understood Beattie himself won’t be at the helm of Pirates 6, but having written original movie Curse Of The Black Pearl and been a consultant on follow-ups, he is a reliable source on this one.

It’s not too surprising they’d want to cut Depp out either. Once a media darling, allegations of spousal abuse against ex-wife Amber Heard has seen his popularity nosedive. Even without that, he’s had more bombs than hits this decade, with The Lone Ranger and Alice Through The Looking Glass are two standout lows.

And although Depp’s portrayal of Jack Sparrow is arguably his finest role ever, it hasn’t translated to box office sales for a while. The franchise still has potential, and by learning a few lessons from previous outings, Disney can make the first Sparrow-less Pirates their biggest hit yet.

Pirates is a film franchise where family-friendly fun meets action adventure. It seemed destined to be a modern-day Indiana Jones, but the tone has been misplaced in too many of the sequels. The first movie felt so confident in what it was. Sequels have not shared its sense of self.

Strangely, considering the cast was loaded with big names like Geoffrey Rush and Ian McShane, the actors always seemed to be having a blast. The director, less so. The films have taken themselves way too seriously of late, and fans have not responded well, which means somebody who can balance the serious with the silly needs to take the wheel. Someone like Taika Waititi, who did an excellent job with Thor: Ragnarok after Thor’s previous two dour solo efforts.

Seeing as Waititi likely has his hands full with Thor 4 and (hopefully) We’re Wolves, it’s unlikely to be him. But there are a lot of directors who could still take up the helm. Spielberg may be too pie in the sky, but obviously he could deliver on the Indiana Jones potential. Joss Whedon? Jon Favreau? Whoever it is, the Marvel formula certainly seems like one to mimic.