For over a year, whispers and rumors have swirled around the fate of the beloved 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise. While Disney has remained tight-lipped, Hollywood insider Skyler Shuler has finally revealed the studio's anticipated plans, offering clarity and excitement for fans worldwide. Brace yourselves, mateys, because it seems Captain Jack Sparrow, portrayed by the iconic Johnny Depp, is indeed set to make a return!
According to Shuler, the highly publicized concept of a reboot starring Margot Robbie and penned by Christina Hodson (known for 'Bumblebee,' 'The Flash,' and 'Birds of Prey') has officially been scrapped. This decision, seemingly permanent, closes the chapter on a potential female-led spin-off that had garnered significant attention. Instead, Disney is reportedly focusing all its efforts on a single, compelling direction: a direct sequel to the existing saga.
A New Adventure with Familiar Faces
This upcoming 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' will introduce a fresh cast of characters, but, crucially, it will also see the return of key figures from the original franchise. Fans will rejoice at the prospect of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann rejoining the high-seas adventures. While their roles are confirmed, the big news for many is the inclusion of Johnny Depp's beloved Captain Jack Sparrow. However, Shuler clarifies that while Depp will appear, he will not be the primary protagonist. This suggests a shift in narrative focus, potentially allowing new characters to lead the story while still benefiting from Jack's legendary charisma and unpredictable antics.
The director for this highly anticipated project has not yet been named. Shuler speculates that once a director is selected, the final script will undergo a rigorous review process. The official announcement of the new 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film is expected to be a major highlight at the Disney D23 Expo, an event scheduled for late August. This would align with Disney's pattern of unveiling major franchise news at their flagship fan convention.
Disney's Other High-Profile Projects: Hercules, Maleficent, and Aladdin
Beyond the Caribbean seas, Disney has several other high-profile projects in the pipeline, with new details also emerging:
'Hercules' on the Horizon
The live-action adaptation of 'Hercules' continues its development. The acclaimed Russo Brothers, known for their work on Marvel's 'Avengers' films, are involved solely as producers, indicating their strategic role in overseeing the project's vision. Intriguingly, Guy Ritchie is now highly likely to step into the director's chair, a role he was previously associated with. Ritchie's availability comes after his recent departure from directing 'Road House 2,' freeing him up for this mythical endeavor. Given his previous success with Disney's live-action 'Aladdin,' Ritchie's potential involvement suggests a vibrant and musically infused take on the beloved animated classic.
'Maleficent 3' in the Works?
Fans of the dark fantasy series 'Maleficent' also have reason to be optimistic. Shuler's intel suggests that a third installment, 'Maleficent 3,' could indeed become a reality. A draft of the screenplay is reportedly complete, and both Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning have expressed their willingness to reprise their iconic roles. While rumors previously linked Guillermo del Toro to the director's chair, Shuler indicates that those negotiations never materialized. The potential return of Jolie and Fanning would undoubtedly be a huge draw, continuing the intriguing narrative of one of Disney's most complex villains.
'Aladdin 2' Sails Away
Conversely, the highly anticipated sequel to the live-action 'Aladdin,' 'Aladdin 2,' appears to have been shelved. Shuler's update indicates that this project has "sailed," suggesting it is no longer in active development. This news might disappoint fans who enjoyed the 2019 live-action hit, but it underscores Disney's fluid strategy in adapting its vast catalog of intellectual property.
These insider revelations paint a clearer picture of Disney's upcoming film slate, particularly its strategy for reviving established franchises. The decision to bring back Johnny Depp, even in a supporting role, for 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' is a significant one, likely aimed at appeasing a substantial fan base that has vocally advocated for his return. By focusing on a direct sequel with familiar characters like Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, Disney seems to be banking on nostalgia while simultaneously trying to inject new life into the series. The potential official announcement at D23 Expo will undoubtedly ignite further speculation and excitement among moviegoers.
Source of information: https://thedisinsider.com/2025/07/11/the-disinsider-mailbag-remakes-sequels-reboots/
#PiratesOfTheCaribbean #JohnnyDepp #CaptainJackSparrow #Disney #D23Expo #MovieNews #HollywoodInsider #WillTurner #ElizabethSwann #Hercules #Maleficent3 #FilmUpdates
