Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean reboot: we’ve got good news and bad news.
The bad news is that they’ve decided to set sail without Depp on-board, a decision that hardly comes as a shock considering the serious allegations the actor is currently facing. The good news is that Karen Gillan is currently being linked to the Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, with rumours circulating that she’ll take on the lead role of ‘Redd’.
Will the franchise survive without Captain Jack Sparrow? Yes, we certainly think so.
Sure, some of the most fascinating movie characters of the century so far (and arguably ever) have come from the POTC franchise – characters we impersonate at Halloween, characters we take selfies with in Disneyland – but we see no reason why Disney can’t recreate the magic by exploring new stories of pirates roaming the Caribbean islands. After all, there are over 700 of them.
Why is Disney rebooting POTC?
So far, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has grossed over $4.5 billion worldwide – and that’s just through the films alone. The series has also inspired theme park attractions, experiences and an abundance of merchandise that captures not only the hearts of fans worldwide but their wallets too.
‘Why isn’t Disney opting for a POTC 6 then?’ I hear you say. Tbf, I can think of a fair few reasons why a reboot is looking more and more appealing.
Will Johnny Depp be in it?
Johnny Depp fans have been struggling to show support for the established actor since he was accused of domestic violence by his wife back in 2016. And, since then, things have only grown more complicated as Depp is now accusing Heard of the exact same thing.
With the actor facing such serious allegations, it comes as no surprise that The House of Mouse is planning to cut ties with the 56-year-old actor.
“Nodding when it was suggested Depp was out, he said: ‘I think he’s had a great run. Obviously, he’s made that character his own and it’s become the character he’s most famous for now.” – Writer Stuart Beattie in conversation with Daily Mail
Think back to the early POTC films and you’ll remember that, bar Elizabeth Swann and Calypso, most of the female actresses played ‘wenches’. These may be roles that stay true to the age of pirates and the original ride the films are based on, however it’s a portrayal of women that is unlikely to resonate to an active, socially aware audience of today. Hence, the reboot looks to make some changes.
In 2017, Disney took one of their most-famous POTC ride characters, who was originally a ‘wench’ dubbed Redhead (for obvious reasons), gave her a swashbuckling makeover and reinvented her as an empowered pirate assisting the auctioneer. This aforementioned character is the one who’s set to take over the franchise from Captain Jack Sparrow.
Not only would a female lead help the reboot distance itself from the current series of films (you could say they’d be ‘oceans apart’), but it would also help Disney tell a tale that’s super relevant to the #MeToo and #TimesUp era of today. We imagine it was extremely difficult for female pirates to make a name for themselves sailing the sexist seven seas.
The original POTC trilogy is treasured (especially the first one – that s*** is inspirational). After that? Well, it all got a bit random. Plus, we missed Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth, as really, it was much her saga as anyone else’s.
And when you look at the reviews of the series, it’s clear that audience and critiques alike have grown tired of the used and abused formula.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores:
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl -79%
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest – 53%
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End – 44%
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strangers Tides – 33%3
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales – 30%
Perhaps a reboot really is for the best.
Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot Writers
Craig Mazin, known for his work on comedies (such as The Hangover Part 2) and HBO’s Chernobyl, is joining forces with franchise stalwart Tedd Elliott, writer of 4/5 of the POTC so far). This mix of old and new suggests that this will be a soft reboot. It’d certainly save a lot of confusion.
Who is in the Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot?
Karen Gillan
Karen Gillan is being eyed by Disney for the POTC reboot lead role – a casting decision that makes perfect sense. Gillan is at the ideal point in her career to lead a franchise, one that’ll take her from film actress to film star, and it’s a bonus that she’s a natural ginger just like Redd. She also has a resume filled with action and adventure films and TV shows (take the likes of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Avengers: Endgame for example).
Check back here soon for more news on the Pirates of the Caribbean reboot.
