The long-awaited “Pirates of the Caribbean 6” is still on the horizon, but it remains far from dropping anchor in theaters.
Nearly a decade after “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” arrived in theaters, producer Jerry Bruckheimer is actively steering a new installment forward for Disney. Recent studio updates confirm the franchise remains a top priority, even as filmmakers navigate its final creative direction.
While the project is set to reboot the high-seas saga with fresh characters and new storylines, the door hasn’t completely closed on familiar faces—including Johnny Depp. Bruckheimer has spoken with Depp about reprising his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow, although any official return hinges entirely on the script, which is currently still in development.
Here’s everything we know so far about “Pirates of the Caribbean 6.”
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Disney has not announced an official title or plot for the next “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie. As of August 2026, details about the story and its direction remain unclear.
Inspired by the Disney theme park attraction, the five “Pirates of the Caribbean” films have earned more than $4.5 billion worldwide. The franchise began with 2003’s “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” which earned Depp an Oscar nomination for best actor and turned Jack Sparrow into one of his most recognizable characters.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2007) left several storylines open. Whether the next film continues them or begins an entirely new adventure remains to be seen.
Bruckheimer, who produced all five previous films, is developing the project for Disney.
In February 2026, he told Deadline that the filmmakers were still working on the screenplay. When asked whether the next “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie or “Top Gun 3” would reach theaters first, he described the projects as being in a “horse race,” with “Top Gun 3” slightly ahead.
Jeff Nathanson is writing the reboot. His credits include “Catch Me If You Can” (2002), “The Terminal” (2004), “Mufasa: The Lion King” (2024), and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.”
Bruckheimer previously told Entertainment Weekly that Nathanson had written a strong third act, although the screenplay was not yet finished. “The Last of Us” co-creator Craig Mazin and original “Pirates” screenwriter Ted Elliott also developed a version, but the 2023 writers’ strike interrupted their work.
A separate female-led project starring Margot Robbie has also been in development. In 2025, Bruckheimer told The Wrap that Robbie was still involved.
As mentioned, Bruckheimer has spoken with Depp about returning as the brilliantly mad pirate. In an August 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, the producer said, “If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it.”
Bloom has also expressed interest in returning as Will Turner. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in 2025, he said he would like to see the original group reunite if the filmmakers found the right story.
Knightley appears less likely to return as Elizabeth Swann. She told People that her “pirating days are over” and that no one has contacted her about another film.
The stars of the earlier films have shared advice actors can apply to their own work.
Bloom told us that he develops his characters through music, physicality, and animal work. He advises actors to trust themselves. “Follow your instincts always. Listen to yourself before you listen to anyone else. Be true to yourself.”
During a BAFTA career retrospective, Knightley recalled arriving late and angry for her Elizabeth Swann audition because she assumed she would never land a Hollywood film. “I think I was just angry in the audition,” she said, “and weirdly it worked.”
Javier Bardem, who played Captain Salazar in “Dead Men Tell No Tales,” drew inspiration from the elaborate sets. “You are the one who is going to bring that level of detail into the performance,” he told D23. He also praised Depp’s generosity, saying, “There’s nothing better than sharing.”
Kaya Scodelario credited trust and collaboration with helping her join the franchise as Carina Smyth in “Dead Men Tell No Tales.” “I felt like we could experiment with each other,” she said in an interview. Brenton Thwaites praised her “conviction and fearlessness,” saying those qualities helped them get to “the meat of the scene.”
While waiting for official casting updates, we suggest bookmarking our main casting page so you never miss an audition opportunity. And don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to getting cast in a movie or TV show for helpful tips and inspiration.
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