Disney's PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN series is one of the highest grossing franchises of all-time as it's taken in over $4.5 billion worldwide spread across five films, but bringing in the box-office bucks doesn't necessarily spare you from the reboot train.
Deadline has reported the studio is exploring a reboot of the franchise and are in early talks with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, writers of the DEADPOOL movies, to pen the script. It's said that franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer will remain involved, but it's not known who else will return as this potential reboot is still in the very early stages. It's also not known whether or not Johnny Depp will continue as Jack Sparrow, sorry, Captain Jack Sparrow, but I'd bet that Disney will use this reboot as an excuse to cut ties with the actor whose pirate-shtick is certainly wearing a little thin. The last film in the franchise, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES, was released last year and grossed $794 million worldwide, certainly nothing to stick your nose up at, but not exactly pushing past the billion dollar mark like its predecessor.
Although Johnny Depp's involvement is unknown, Jerry Bruckheimer has previously said that he can't imagine continuing the franchise without the actor.
I just don't see it. The secret to any successful franchise is picking talented people, and Johnny is absolutely key to the success of Pirates. He's such a unique character, such an endearing character, and such an irreverent character all in one.
After five films, I wouldn't be opposed to a Jack Sparrow-less PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN film, but will audiences still show up without the Keith Richards-infused pirate? I suppose we'll have to wait and see. What do you think? Does the current PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise have more life in it or is rebooting the series the best route to take?