Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is now officially being developed. It will have a new plot, a possible return of cast members, and a new direction for the franchise. People want to know if Jack Sparrow will come back and what will happen next, but one thing is certain, the movie is still going to happen.
The official release date for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 has not been confirmed, but it’s expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Here’s everything we know.
Is There Going to Be a Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Disney Confirms Development Amid Long Hiatus
Pirates movie fans have been waiting years for things to be revealed. It is now official that Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is in development. Originally planned for 2018, this sixth movie in the Pirates series never got made because of some problems with the production.
- Official confirmation: Disney and longtime producer Jerry Bruckheimer have confirmed the movie is still in development.
- Initial announcement: The film was teased shortly after the release of Dead Men Tell No Tales in 2017.
- Current status: As of 2025, the script is still in development. Two versions are reportedly in progress, one that includes Jack Sparrow, and one that does not.
Plot Hints and Speculations – Is Davy Jones Coming Back?
The plot isn’t official, but fans have a big idea of what it’s about. In Dead Men Tell No Tales, the scene after the credits showed that Davy Jones, the villain with tentacles from earlier movies, might be back.
- Post-credit clue: Will Turner sees Davy Jones in a dream, but barnacle traces in the room suggest it wasn’t just a nightmare.
- Fan theory: This moment is widely seen as a teaser for Davy Jones’ return as the central villain.
- Reboot or continuation: It’s unclear if the movie will restart the timeline or serve as a continuation, but either option is on the table.
Who Will Star in Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Jerry Bruckheimer Confirms Familiar Faces Will Return
Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer, recently confirmed that Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will have new as well as returning cast members. When asked straight out if the cast would be all new, he said, “Not all new actors. We’ll have some back.”
- Script strategy: Two versions of the script are being developed—one with legacy characters and one with a new cast.
- Tone of the reboot: The next film is described as a “new take,” blending fresh faces with nostalgic elements.
- Casting secrecy: Bruckheimer declined to name specific actors, leaving fans to guess who might return.
Kaya Scodelario and Orlando Bloom Likely to Return
Two names consistently come up as likely returning cast members: Kaya Scodelario and Orlando Bloom.
- Kaya Scodelario: The actress, who played Carina Barbossa, is contractually signed for one more Pirates movie.
- Orlando Bloom: Bloom has expressed enthusiasm about reprising his role as Will Turner, even saying he wants to “get the band back together.”
- Keira Knightley: She has stated that she’s happy with how Elizabeth Swann’s arc ended and is not interested in returning.
Is Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
The Truth Behind the $301 Million Comeback Rumor
There may have been news going around that Johnny Depp agreed to a $301 million deal from Disney to play Captain Jack Sparrow again. These headlines got a lot of attention on social media very quickly. There is, however, no official confirmation yet that Depp has been approached or agreed to join.
- Rumor status: False. The story was debunked by multiple outlets, including IMDb and Koimoi.
- Studio response: Disney denied the claim, calling it fabricated.
- Fan confusion: Despite being fake, the rumor gained traction due to widespread interest in Depp’s return.
Who Is Playing Elizabeth Swann in Pirates of the Caribbean 6?
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Keira Knightley Has Stepped Away from the Role
Elizabeth Swann was one of the most iconic characters in the Pirates franchise. However, don’t expect to see her in the upcoming sixth film.
- Keira Knightley’s position: In interviews, Knightley stated that she has no plans to return, saying she was happy with how Elizabeth’s story ended.
- Final appearance: Her last appearance was a brief cameo in the post-credits scene of Dead Men Tell No Tales alongside Orlando Bloom.
Could Elizabeth Return in Another Form?
Even if Keira Knightley doesn’t reprise her role, Elizabeth Swann’s legacy may still linger in the new story.
- Flashback potential: Some fans speculate the character could appear in flashbacks or legacy footage.
- Recasting unlikely: Disney has made no mention of recasting the role, likely out of respect for Knightley’s iconic portrayal.
How Many Pirates of the Caribbean Movies Are There?
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Franchise Timeline in Release Order
The Pirates franchise consists of five theatrical previous films, with a sixth in development. Here’s a quick overview of each:
- The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): The one that started it all. Introduced Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann.
- Dead Man’s Chest (2006): Continued Jack’s adventures and introduced Davy Jones.
- At World’s End (2007): A dramatic and emotional finale to the original trilogy.
- On Stranger Tides (2011): The fourth film introduced new characters like Angelica (Penélope Cruz).
- Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017): The fifth film reintroduced Will Turner and hinted at Davy Jones’ return.
Final Thoughts
The Caribbean movie series may be sailing toward its last adventure, but there’s still hope for the movies because franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer is writing the script and there are rumors that more than one movie could be shot back-to-back.
Spin-off, full sequel, or cameo appearances from Jack Sparrow, Henry Turner, or even Captain Hector Barbossa, fans of the seven seas still want more. Stay tuned, more information could come out at any time. Ready for the new Pirates?
FAQs
Is Jack Sparrow in the eighth film of the Caribbean film series?
The eighth film might not include Jack Sparrow unless Bruckheimer replied differently in another interview.
Will Henry Turner return in the sequel?
Yes, Henry Turner is expected to return if the screenplay continues the film series.
Is the Flying Dutchman still part of the new pirates storyline?
Yes, the Flying Dutchman remains central in the seven seas legend with kids excited to see what’s next.
Are cameo appearances from Kevin McNally and Geoffrey Rush possible?
Yes, both Kevin McNally and Geoffrey Rush could have cameo appearances if Ted Elliott or Gore Verbinski is involved.
Was Lauren Maher in a Washington Post article about the franchise?
No, but the Washington Post was referenced during discussions on Jack decides and the rest of the franchise.