Back in 2020, we got word that Disney was planning two separate Pirates of the Caribbean reboots, neither of which would have any connection to the original franchise starring Johnny Depp, Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom.
Updates have been few and far between since, but according to insider Daniel Richtman, both projects are still in development.
Margot Robbie is still said to be attached to play the lead in a new female-fronted Pirates spin-off from Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson, but it sounds like the movie from Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and previous Pirates films writer Ted Elliot is a little further along, and may have a star in mind. Richtman is reporting that The Bear breakout Ayo Edebiri is being eyed to play a character named "Anne."
This project was originally developed with the main pirate from the Disneyland ride, Redd, in mind, and Guardians of the Galaxy star Karen Gillan was said to be in line to play the character. However, it seems plans have since pivoted to a Black female lead, with the focus on "a younger cast of pirates looking for a hidden treasure."
There have been rumors that at least one of these projects could "leave the door open" for the return of Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow, but nothing concrete, and specific plot details on both movie remain hidden beneath the waves in Davey Jones' Locker.
Would any studio take a chance on Depp following the recent domestic violence accusations made against the actor? He certainly has his share of supporters out there, so you never know.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was a massive money-spinner for Disney, so it's hardly surprising that the studio would want to revisit the property, and Edebiri is fast becoming one of Hollywood's most in-demand young actors, so we can certainly see her being courted to lead this revival.
The Bottoms star was set to appear in a supporting role in Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts, but dropped out of the movie due to a (reported) scheduling conflict.
Would you have any interest in a new POTC movie? Drop us a comment down below.
"Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) arrives at Port Royal in the Caribbean without a ship or crew. His timing is inopportune, however, because later that evening the town is besieged by a pirate ship. The pirates kidnap the governor's daughter, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), who's in possession of a valuable coin that is linked to a curse that has transformed the pirates into the undead. A gallant blacksmith (Orlando Bloom) in love with Elizabeth allies with Sparrow in pursuit of the pirates."