The Sequel Fans Were Promised in 2017—Why Pirates 6 Still Hasn’t Happened

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has sailed through many uncharted waters since its first hit in 2003, with the series experiencing a general decline in critical reception, despite continued box office success. The first film remains the standout, often regarded as the best in the series, while later installments have struggled to recapture that same magic. Yet, despite a dwindling sense of momentum, fans continue to hold out hope for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, especially after the promising setup left at the end of Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017. So why hasn’t the movie materialized yet?

A Sequel Teased, But Stuck in Development Hell

Following the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales, Disney confirmed that a sixth Pirates film was in the works. That was in 2018, a year after the fifth installment, but since then, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 has remained stuck in development limbo. Various writers, directors, and creative minds have been attached to the project, with little progress. Notably, Deadpool co-writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick left the project in 2019, and Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and Pirates veteran Ted Elliott were brought on board to steer the ship in a new direction. Additionally, Joachim Rønning, who co-directed Dead Men Tell No Tales, was said to return, yet despite these shifts, the movie has not come to fruition.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has also mentioned that multiple versions of the script have been in development, further complicating the project’s trajectory. With all these changes, Pirates 6 seems to be navigating treacherous waters without a clear course.

The Promise of Davy Jones’ Return

One of the most intriguing elements of Dead Men Tell No Tales was its post-credit scene, which set up a storyline that could have been the perfect lead-in for Pirates 6. The scene hints at the resurrection of the terrifying villain, Davy Jones, played by Bill Nighy, who was last seen in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007). In the scene, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) are reunited, but the shadow of Davy Jones looms large, implying that the character is far from gone.

The return of Davy Jones could have been the perfect way to inject new life into the series. The idea of Jones coming back as the main antagonist in Pirates 6 could have allowed the franchise to embrace its wackier, more fantastical elements, with Jones returning to exact vengeance, either on Will, Elizabeth, or even Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Some have even speculated that Jones could become an anti-hero or occasional ally, much like Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), another beloved character who transitioned from villain to hero.

Jones’ unique blend of grotesque charm and powerful menace has always been a highlight of the Pirates series, and his return could tap into the franchise’s rich mythology without taking itself too seriously. Moreover, fans would likely be thrilled to see the character’s iconic design updated for a new era of special effects, making the villain even more chilling than before.

The Uncertainty Around Johnny Depp’s Return

One of the major obstacles facing Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is the uncertainty surrounding Johnny Depp’s return as Jack Sparrow. Depp’s portrayal of the eccentric, lovable pirate captain has been the cornerstone of the franchise, but his recent controversies and legal battles have complicated the possibility of his involvement in future films. While there have been rumors that the next film could pivot to new characters—potentially led by Margot Robbie, who had been considered for a spin-off—there is no definitive word on whether Depp will reprise his role. This uncertainty casts a shadow over the future direction of the franchise, and Disney faces the delicate task of deciding whether to move forward with Depp or embrace a new iteration of the character.

Could Pirates 6 Finally Deliver on the Tease?

As fans wait for the next chapter, many are left wondering if Pirates 6 will ever live up to the promise left by Dead Men Tell No Tales. The film left a tantalizing cliffhanger with Davy Jones’ implied return, and for many, the character’s return is long overdue. While the saga may have grown increasingly convoluted over the years, the basic premise of swashbuckling adventure and supernatural villains still holds undeniable appeal. The storylines laid out in the previous films provide a solid foundation for a gripping sequel, but the clock is ticking for Disney to capitalize on the growing anticipation.

Conclusion: Pirates of the Caribbean – The Sequel That Might Never Be

Despite the excitement surrounding the potential return of Davy Jones and the ongoing interest in the Pirates franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 seems to be stuck in development purgatory. While the promise of a new adventure with beloved characters is alluring, it’s unclear when, or if, the film will ever see the light of day. With a complicated production history, the uncertainty of Johnny Depp’s return, and shifting creative forces, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 might ultimately sail into the sunset without fulfilling its potential. For now, fans can only wait and wonder if Disney will ever chart a course to bring this swashbuckling saga to its next chapter.