Pirates of the Caribbean 6: The Perfect Sequel That Was Set Up 8 Years Ago—So Why Is It Taking SO Long?

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which set sail in 2003 with the wildly successful The Curse of the Black Pearl, has become one of the most iconic and beloved series in Hollywood. Despite the series’ apparent decline after the first movie, it has continued to attract massive box office numbers, with audiences still flocking to the high seas for the wacky characters, swashbuckling action, and period aesthetics. However, after the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter—Pirates of the Caribbean 6. Unfortunately, the franchise seems to have found itself lost in development hell, with little progress despite a promising setup in the fifth installment.

The Promise of Davy Jones’ Return

Dead Men Tell No Tales may have been the last film in the franchise, but its post-credits scene set the stage for an exciting new story. Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) are reunited, but the resurrection of Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), the terrifying villain from Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End, creates the perfect setup for Pirates 6. Fans were left with the impression that Jones would return as the film’s main antagonist, possibly pursuing revenge on the main characters—be it Will and Elizabeth, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), or even some new faces introduced in the next chapter.

The idea of Davy Jones coming back was tantalizing. His return could breathe new life into the franchise, allowing it to embrace the more outlandish parts of its mythology. The series has always excelled in balancing the ridiculous with the serious, and Davy Jones’ character could make that mix work even better. Furthermore, his dramatic design and eerie portrayal by Nighy made him one of the most memorable villains in modern cinema. A fresh update to his look could create a stunning visual centerpiece for the new movie, capturing both the awe and terror that fans loved about him.

Interestingly, there’s also the possibility that Davy Jones could shift from villain to anti-hero or even an occasional ally, a la Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). The Pirates franchise has often played with the idea of characters switching sides, and Jones’ return could play into this, adding complexity and unpredictability to the plot.

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Stuck in Development Hell

So why hasn’t Pirates 6 materialized yet? The film has been in development since 2018, just a year after the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales. But since then, progress has stalled. Various writers and creatives have come and gone, including Deadpool co-writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, who left the project in 2019. Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and Pirates veteran Ted Elliott were then brought in, along with director Joachim Rønning, who co-directed Dead Men Tell No Tales. Despite multiple versions of the script being in development, the film has remained stuck in pre-production.

A significant roadblock for the project has been the question of casting. Johnny Depp, who made Jack Sparrow one of the most iconic film characters of the 21st century, is not officially confirmed to return for the sixth installment. His involvement in the future of Pirates of the Caribbean seems uncertain, and the franchise could be looking to replace the character or even reboot the entire series. Margot Robbie was once discussed as a potential new lead, with a rumored spinoff that would center around her character. However, it remains unclear whether that will be the direction the franchise will take.

A Potential Reboot?

Given the underwhelming box office results of Dead Men Tell No Tales compared to previous entries in the franchise, it seems likely that Disney will attempt a reboot of some form. The goal would be to reinvigorate the series and bring in fresh audiences while possibly offering a new take on familiar elements. However, the reboot route also comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in managing fan expectations and balancing the legacy of the beloved characters.

Despite these obstacles, fans are still hopeful for the future of Pirates of the Caribbean. The potential return of Davy Jones, paired with a tighter, more focused narrative, could bring the series back to its roots, where the spooky, supernatural elements were key to its success.

What Fans Want from Pirates of the Caribbean 6

While the storylines set up in Dead Men Tell No Tales have yet to be explored, many fans still hope that the movie will return to the creepy nautical vibes that made the franchise so special. The trilogy of Pirates of the Caribbean films (2003–2007) blended action, humor, and supernatural horror in a way that captivated audiences. But as the films grew in scale, they began to feel bloated and less focused, with too many characters and subplots diluting the central narrative.

A return to the more intimate and eerie storylines that made Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End so compelling could be a smart direction. Focusing on the frightening and mysterious aspects of Davy Jones’ character, with a more confined conflict between Jones and the new heroes, would allow the series to recapture its initial charm.

Conclusion: Is Pirates of the Caribbean 6 Worth the Wait?

While Pirates of the Caribbean 6 has faced significant delays and obstacles, the excitement surrounding its potential return remains strong. With the perfect setup already established in Dead Men Tell No Tales, there’s still hope that the franchise will embrace its rich mythology and bring back the thrilling, supernatural elements that made it so successful in the first place. Fans are eager to see Davy Jones return, but the franchise must address the uncertainty surrounding the cast and the direction it wants to take before it can set sail again. If done right, Pirates 6 could be the film that revitalizes the series and gives fans the closure they’ve been waiting for.