In 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean was an unprecedented success for Disney, allowing the production of four sequels over the years. Not all have been as successful in terms of criticisms as the first, but a new release is expected to meet the demands of critics and fans of the franchise. The franchise has seen many changes in recent years, which could now include the end of Jack Sparrow.
Disney has considered the possibilities and is expected to soon start working on two reboots starting from the original premise, but rewriting the story and adding new characters. Although the work has already been advanced, it is not yet known if the productions will be completed, if they will modify more elements or if these new plots will work or not. Here are five ways this reboot will work and five it won’t.
10 IT WILL WORK: There Will Be Two Versions
Right now, Disney is working on two films, and apparently neither is a continuation of the story. This effort to make the franchise work can make positive changes that will lead to success.
One of the reboots would potentially star Margot Robbie and the script would be written by Christina Hodson. Another story would be made by the writer of the first four Pirates of the Caribbean films, Ted Elliot, and by Craig Mazin from the acclaimed Chernobyl series. Details have not been fully disclosed but so far, it is believed that Jack Sparrow will not be back. These decisions may change in the coming months.
9 IT WON’T WORK: No Johnny Depp
Like him or not, Johnny Depp has been one of the main reasons why the franchise has been successful. When the first film was released, it was not clear whether the audience would like it, but Jack Sparrow was able to charm the audience and bring it to theaters again and again.
People might think that a version without Jack Sparrow won’t work, he is the main attraction of the story. His character is one of the most famous in Disney and has a lot of fans who are demanding Depp’s return to the franchise.
8 IT WILL WORK: A Breath of Fresh Air
Although many fans want Johnny Depp to return to the franchise, it must be taken into account that the character of Jack Sparrow may be depleted, and for that reason, the latest films have not had the same creative and critical success.
A reboot can help the franchise gain greater strength, because new characters can offer a fresh face. The new story could generate sequels that will position Pirates of the Caribbean as one of the longest-lasting and most successful franchises in cinema.
7 IT WON’T WORK: It Will Never Be As Good As The First Movie
Although Pirates of The Caribbean is a highly successful franchise at the box office, so far none of the films have ever surpassed The Curse of the Black Pearl. The first movie’s excellent box office and good reviews allowed it to return four times, but these sequels did not manage to equal the first one.
This may suggest that a reboot will also be in the shadow of The Curse of the Black Pearl and without certain elements and by changing the creative direction, a new story may follow a downhill path.
6 IT WILL WORK: Good Casting
While nothing has been confirmed just yet, it seems that Disney is looking to some of Hollywood’s biggest names to carry the franchise forwards. Some of these actresses include: Margot Robbie, Daisy Ridley, Karen Gillan and Emma Watson. Besides, Disney has not confirmed yet if Johnny Depp will be totally absent or will be part of the reboots, so the possibilities are still open.
The fact that the production company is looking for recognized actresses means that they are trying to bet big, to guarantee that the film will work. This suggests that the release will have an excellent reception.
5 IT WON’T WORK: The Possible Sabotage by Deep’s Fans
Johnny Depp’s removal is the product of controversy generated by his ex-wife, Amber Heard. She claimed to have been a victim of domestic violence, but after a few months it was proven that the accusations were false.
Now with Depp seemingly on the comeback, his fans are very upset with the situation and his dismissal from the franchise. They are demanding through internet campaigns and hashtags on social media that the actor be reinstated. If Depp doesn’t reprise his role, there is a chance that the fans of the franchise and Depp will boycott the next Pirates of The Caribbean, dealing it a significant financial blow.
4 IT WILL WORK: It Will Have A Female Lead
Pirates of The Caribbean has had strong female characters throughout its films. The most important is Elizabeth Swann, who became a heroine and had some of the best dialogue in the film. But this time, rumors indicate that it would be the opportunity for a version with a larger female cast.
There is now a greater interest in supporting feminist causes, and Hollywood has joined in. These opportunities offer actresses the chance to play stellar and more in-depth characters that were previously more dedicated to men. Audiences have responded positively to these efforts, and it is hoped that this will be reflected in the cinema box office.
3 IT WON’T WORK: It Would Start From Almost from Zero
In the past, viewers went to these movies to enjoy the adventures of Jack Sparrow, knowing what to expect. A film without the character could put the franchise in a similar spot at the beginning, where it was not known if it would be successful.
While this creative risk may be exciting for some, it’s undeniable that the risks could outweigh the gains. Pirates as a franchise is in a precarious stage, and an all out reboot may not be the best course of action.
2 IT WILL WORK: Fantasy Franchises Are Lucrative
It’s pretty obvious that Pirates of The Caribbean is a fantasy franchise, and, movies of this genre are a trend at the moment. Viewers love going to the theater to see adventure films where it is possible to appreciate a great creativity.
This type of film is not afraid of experimentation, and that guarantees success most of the time, because in them the story can be oriented towards unexplored corners, but at the same time it can fascinate the audience.
1 IT WON’T WORK: Franchise Fatigue Has Already Settled In
Few franchises manage to stay active after a few years, because time takes its toll. Even the most popular franchises begin to lose momentum at some point, and Pirates of the Caribbean is no exception. Even during the time of At World’s End, some critics and fans cited that the franchise should end soon.
Holding the interest of the audience after such a long time can be difficult, so, a sixth movie that’s following a previously concluded trilogy and a pair of lackluster sequels has less chances to work.