Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Is Bringing Back Some Familiar Behind-The-Scenes Talent
It has been a handful of years since we've seen a "Pirates of the Caribbean" grace the screen, but Disney has every intention of amending that in the (hopefully) not-too-distant future. A fresh take on the franchise is currently in development, with Margot Robbie ("The Wolf of Wall Street," "Birds of Prey") eyed to star in the lead role. This likely means we're headed for a soft reboot after 2017's "Dead Men Tell No Tales." Be that as it may, there is at least going to be some familiar talent behind-the-scenes helping to craft the next chapter in the long-running franchise.
Mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who has been with the series since the very beginning, has revealed that he isn't the only one returning for the currently unnamed sixth installment. In a conversation with ComicBook.com, the producer stated that he is "very excited, it's going to be terrific." But he then revealed that one of the original writers that helped turned the Disney attraction into an unexpected blockbuster is back to help craft the screenplay:
"We're just working on the screenplay. One of the original writers, Ted Elliott, is helping write it. He has a great command of the characters."
Elliott was credited with cooking up the story for "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," the 2003 film that started it all. He also co-wrote the actual screenplay alongside Terry Rossio. Having him back on board could be a sign that this installment is headed in the right direction.
Bringing things full circle
Ahead of its release, the idea of turning a theme park ride into an expensive blockbuster seemed like lunacy. Yet, in large part thanks to Elliott and Rossio's script, "Curse of the Black Pearl" turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the early 2000s. So the fact that the same writer that helped make this franchise what it is in the first place is coming back could help give it new life.
The fact of the matter is that this franchise needs reinvention. We've had five movies that were largely centered on Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow. Aside from Depp's off-screen issues, particularly his ugly public legal battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard, it truly seems like a good time to try and chart a new course. It's a rich world with countless characters we've never met. Why limit what can be done? And then there's snagging Margot Robbie for the lead role. That has potential written all over it.
While the later sequels did bigger business at the box office, the budgets were also inflated and they became almost unruly in that way. Plus, none of the sequels ever managed to quite recapture the magic of that original. Perhaps letting Elliott take the wheel and steer things in a new direction is the best chance at getting back to that place.
"Pirates of the Caribbean 6" does not yet have a release date set.