If there’s one thing that's (almost) more epic than Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, it’s the villains. Bill Nighy gives an incredible performance as Davy Jones, and he was the perfect person to follow Geoffrey Rush’s Barbossa as one of the franchise's antagonists. Nighy brought a certain charm to the second and third films that was undeniable, and his presence is one reason why the franchise was so great. However, even though it looked like it would have been fun to play this part, Nighy never looked sadder in his life than he did around Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom on the Pirates set.

Now, you might be wondering why he looked so sad on set. Well, it was mostly because of what he had to wear to play Davy Jones. Recalling what that costume looked like, Nighy told TV Insider:

The CGI dots don’t make for a scary villain, but Nighy sold Davy Jones’ attitude with ease, even if he had to endure looking ridiculous while he did it. Despite the pains he tolerated with costuming, the actor “loved” being part of the franchise, and he has previously talked about the "ridiculous" stuff he’s had to do while playing the role of Davy Jones. His stories remind me of what it is like on set for Mark Ruffalo when he's playing The Hulk in Marvel movies rather than Bruce Banner.

However, in Nighy's case, along with having to deal with wearing all the dots and CGI pajamas, he also had the stars of Dead Man's Chest and At World's End poking fun at him. Recalling what it was like to be around the two handsome leading men while he was in Davy Jones mode, the actor said:

I can only imagine how it’d feel being around those two leading men while dressed in a bunch of dots. However, the dynamic between him and his co-stars is part of the reason why these movies are so great.

While those CGI PJs weren't very fun for Nighy, he did note that once they got working, everything was all good. Eventually, Bloom and Depp ran out of jokes, and ultimately they ended up making two epic movies:

Not only was it a great experience for him, but the success of those movies led to two more films in the franchise. While these had more of a mixed reaction (though I personally loved the fourth), they haven’t stopped speculation about a sixth film (there were even rumors swirling about Margot Robbie being involved).

While there aren't really concrete details about the future of the franchise, Jerry Bruckheimer has made his stance known that if it's up to him, Jack Sparrow would return. Meanwhile, Bill Nighy told ScreenRant last year that when one of the producers asked if he'd be interested in coming back, he said "that would be great." However, as of right now, nothing is confirmed.

So, as we wait to see if Nighy ever has to don the dots again, he is currently having a completely different experience with his new Prime Video series on the 2026 TV schedule, Ride or Die.

That's because he is looking very dapper in this new show. While the Ride or Die's trailer gives a sneak peek at the unexpected comedic duo of Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, we also get to see Nighy as The Director. He's an intelligence chief, and he seems to play a vital role in this series about an assassin on the run with her best friend.

Now, to see him all suited up in this action-comedy, you can check out Ride of Die with an Amazon Prime subscription on July 15. If you want to go back and see how Nighy and his sad dot costume transformed into the iconic Davy Jones, you can stream the Pirates of the Caribbean movies with a Disney+ subscription.

If you’ve been to Disneyland Resort in the past couple of months, you probably noticed that one of the theme park’s best rides, Pirates of the Caribbean, has been closed for refurbishment. Well, the ride is officially back up and running in Anaheim, California, and there’s a notable change to talk about.

What's New On Disneyland's Pirates Of The Caribbean Ride

Pirates of the Caribbean is considered one of Disneyland’s most classic rides, and it has a long history of changes since it was opened back in 1967. Do you know the part of the ride where a skeleton is sitting on top of gold? Well, now it's been replaced with an audio animatronic that transforms from a flesh-and-blood pirate to a skeleton. Here’s a look at him:

The Imagineers are behind the new technology, which combines projection, animatronics and robotics all in one. As explained in a new Walt Disney Imagineering video, they felt the change to the greedy pirate would allow them to “tell his full story” after 59 years of remaining stagnant. It’s explained that it enhances his lore because the audio animatronic looks at a cursed coin and becomes transformed by it before he drops the coin and the curse lifts. He’s “stuck in this loop” for eternity due to his greed. Here it is in action:

The audio animatronic technology recently came to Disneyland through a figure of Walt Disney that was added for the 70th anniversary celebration and has been popping up across Disney Parks around the world, including through a free-walking Olaf in Hong Kong and Paris.

What Fans Are Saying About It

Pirates of the Caribbean is an especially sacred ride to Disney fans because it was the last one Walt Disney was directly part of before his death in 1966 (prior to its opening). Over the years, there’s been some notable changes, like a female pirate being added and Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow also being included after the success of the movie franchise based on the ride. Here are some first reactions to the latest addition, per Instagram:

• “Not everything needs to be updated with current tech. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should…There’s a nostalgia and beauty to the simplicity of original Disney animatronics, leave them alone!!” - @alicia.nestasia
• “This takes a GREAT and iconic scene and unfortunately makes it now look fake. The old way whilst not moving looks completely, COMPLETELY real. This triggers criticism and disbelief because it looks so fake...it's a fun idea but it pulls you right out of the awe of the scene. One of Pirates most iconic scenes at that. Yeah, it's a nope from me.” - @robertjkral
• “I know there are so many truly talented people that worked on this, so repectfully: no thank you 🙂‍↔️” - @hallandoatesmeal
• “can’t believe this is why it was closed on my birthday, i-” - @ericahnelson
• “Cool tech, but use on different ride please. Pirates is perfect just the way it is.” - @caseykas

To be clear, these comments come from people who likely haven’t been on the ride itself, but the response to the update is overwhelmingly negative. As I suspected, fans have a certain protectiveness over the classic attraction, and are a bit pessimistic about the changes, even though it's also pretty cool to see the scene come alive.

By my estimation, I think we’re in a shock stage of change (I feel it myself), and I think time will certainly tell if people embrace this audio animatronic over time or not. You can go check out the fresh addition to Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland now.

When it comes to Hollywood, we usually see actors follow the adage that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. You’ll hear one actor praise another, but if they don’t care for somebody, they just keep quiet. At least that used to be the way it worked. If you want to know what Brian Cox thinks of somebody in Hollywood, just ask him.

A new profile in the UK’s The Times of the Scottish actor summarizes many of the actor’s previously stated opinions. They range from everybody from Johnny Depp to Quentin Tarantino, but in it he also adds some new hot takes, including one of the biggest actresses in the world: Margot Robbie.

What Brian Cox Thinks About Johnny Depp And Other Hollywood Stars

Cox wrote a memoir in 2021, and in it, he took aim at a number of other actors. The Times includes several of these quotes, including the fact that he called Johnny Depp “so overblown, so overrated.” Cox nearly appeared alongside Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as he was offered the role of the Governor, which was ultimately played by Jonathan Pryce.

Cox’s memoir came out during the period when Johnny Depp was more known for being involved in lawsuits than for making movies, so it's perhaps not that big of a shock for another actor to take a shot at him. Certainly, there are many who still don’t hold the actor in high regard following the accusations leveled against him.

Cox's less-than-flattering opinions on others, like Edward Norton, Ian McKellen, and Quentin Tarantino, are also raised. The Tarantino comments are perhaps especially interesting considering Tarantino recently made his own headlines for calling out Paul Dano and other actors that he didn't care for. However, another actor who Cox singled out in this interview is a bit more surprising.

What Brian Cox Said About Margot Robbie And Wuthering Heights

It turns out that the 1939 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights is a particular favorite movie of Brian Cox, so the actor is asked about his opinion on the new film from Emerald Fennell that starred Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. While Cox, at least by the time of the interview, hadn’t seen the new movie, he still had an opinion, saying…

While Cox’s comments aren’t exactly an insult, it’s still somewhat surprising to hear him make such comments. While it may be “wrong” of him to judge, he clearly still has an opinion. And to be fair, he isn’t alone in that opinion. Margot Robbie’s casting in Wuthering Heights was questioned by fans of the original novel who felt she wasn’t the right actress for the part.

Since Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales came out in 2017, there’s been chatter about a sequel. Things got a bit messy after Johnny Depp’s very public split and court battle with Amber Heard. For a while, it looked like he was out as Captain Jack. But now that interest in a rumored Pirates 6 is picking up again, the film’s producer has made it clear where he stands on Depp coming back.

In February 2026, a report emerged suggesting that a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie was in development, focusing on Jack Sparrow's son. This raised questions about whether Johnny Depp would be replaced as the lead character in the franchise. However, when The Direct spoke with franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer at the Producers Guild Awards, he clarified the situation and shared his perspective:

Bruckheimer has been the driving producing force behind all five Pirates films, making him the one constant throughout the franchise’s two-decade run. If anyone has a major say in what the next installment looks like, and whether the Edward Scissorhands star returns, it’s him. And he’s consistently made it clear that he’d welcome Johnny Depp back.

Bringing the Ed Wood actor into a sixth film would not only energize longtime fans but also provide a natural bridge between the franchise’s past and whatever direction it heads next, especially if the idea of introducing Jack Sparrow’s son is still on the table. Of course, the ultimate decision rests with the actor. Back in July 2023, a source told People that “anything is possible” regarding a potential return, leaving the door at least slightly ajar.

It’s also worth remembering that Bruckheimer famously stood by Depp’s eccentric take on Captain Jack Sparrow in the early days, even when others were skeptical of the performance. His continued involvement in a sixth movie signals stability at a time when the franchise appears to be recalibrating. And the ongoing chatter about the Willy Wonka performer's return is likely one of the reasons Disney continues to quietly develop the project behind the scenes.

Then there’s the Margot Robbie factor. For years, reports suggested that she would produce and potentially star in a female-led Pirates spinoff, essentially a soft reboot set in the same universe. That version seemed to stall out, but Bruckheimer recently offered a cryptic update when asked whether the next film would involve Robbie or Jack’s son. His response? “They’re close on part of it. That’s all I’ll tell ya.”

After his latest comments at the PGA Awards, it’s hard not to wonder which “part” he was referring to, and whether Depp’s return is more realistic than fans might have assumed.

That said, if you’re placing bets on whether Top Gun 3 or Pirates 6 will hit theaters first, you might want to put your money on Maverick. While neither sequel will be ready for the 2026 movie schedule, Bruckheimer, producer of both franchises, has indicated that the next high-octane Tom Cruise installment is further along in development.

If you’ve been wondering which Jerry Bruckheimer sequel will hit the new movie release calendar first, the upcoming Top Gun 3 or rumored Pirates of the Caribbean 6, you’re not alone. As it turns out, many fans want to know the answer to that question. Now, the producer himself provides the latest information on the projects and explains why he sees it as a tight race.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight at the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon, Bruckheimer offered a candid update on both projects. The veteran producer was on hand to discuss his Oscar-nominated film F1, but naturally, the conversation turned to two of his biggest franchises. When asked which sequel is further along, the producer didn’t hesitate to frame it as a close call. He shared:

That’s about as direct an update as fans have received in a while. Both franchises have been in development limbo for years. Top Gun: Maverick became a massive box office success in 2022, grossing nearly $1.5 billion worldwide and revitalizing the decades-old property in a way few legacy sequels manage to pull off. A third installment was quickly discussed, but concrete details have been scarce since.

Meanwhile, Pirates of the Caribbean has been adrift since 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales. Multiple scripts have reportedly been developed, including versions tied to Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow and separate concepts involving Margot Robbie. Yet despite the franchise’s $4.5 billion global haul across five films, a sixth entry hasn’t officially moved into production.

Now, based on Bruckheimer’s comments, it sounds like Top Gun 3 has a slight edge, but only slightly. Calling it a “horse race” suggests both projects are actively moving forward behind the scenes. The fact that a Top Gun script is expected “shortly” indicates tangible progress. That’s a meaningful step in Hollywood development terms, where many sequels stall long before a finished screenplay materializes.

Still, Pirates clearly isn’t out of the running. Bruckheimer’s recent comments about ongoing discussions surrounding the franchise signal that Disney hasn’t shelved the property. It may simply be taking longer to chart the right course.

The interesting wrinkle here is timing. With incoming leadership changes at Disney and ongoing franchise recalibration across the industry, both sequels represent major tentpoles. Whichever film arrives first will likely be viewed as a statement about where the studio and Bruckheimer are placing their bets.

Star power is also a factor. Top Gun 3 depends on Tom Cruise’s schedule and interest, while Pirates 6 continues to orbit questions about Johnny Depp’s potential return or the series's move in a new direction.

For years, there have been reports that Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap production company has been involved in developing a Pirates project in some capacity. That’s despite Robbie previously suggesting her version was no longer moving forward, and yet recent rumors indicate it may not be completely off the table. What her involvement actually looks like remains unclear. She could be attached to star, produce, or simply participate in early creative discussions. As Bruckheimer has implied before, the term “involved” can mean a wide range of things.

For now, Top Gun 3 may be “a hair ahead” of Pirates 6, but in a horse race, that can change fast. Fans can revisit Top Gun: Maverick with a Paramount+ subscription, as well as the entire Pirates of the Caribbean franchise with their Disney+ subscription.

For years, the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has felt like it’s been drifting somewhere between development limbo and the open sea. That uncertainty surged again last week when a report claimed the next installment could center on Jack Sparrow’s son, with Margot Robbie co-leading the adventure, a notable twist, considering Robbie’s version of the franchise had seemed to quietly sink a few years ago.

Now, fresh rumors are making waves again, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer is offering just enough to keep speculation alive. While speaking with Entertainment Tonight at the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon, he addressed the long-running question of whether a Robbie-led sequel is still in play, keeping his response characteristically vague but far from dismissive. He said:

That’s not a greenlight announcement. But it’s not a denial either. He added another intriguing tease when asked about whether the DC movie star is still attached to the project:

That phrasing is very intriguing. “Close on part of it” could mean script revisions or story direction. It could mean talent discussions. What it clearly doesn’t mean is that production is imminent. In fact, Bruckheimer has acknowledged elsewhere that Top Gun 3 is further along than Pirates 6 at this stage. Still, the Margot Robbie connection appears to be alive in some form, as he added:

That lines up with earlier reports that the Wuthering Heights actress’s LuckyChap banner had been involved in development at various points. Whether that means she’s starring, producing, or simply part of ongoing creative talks remains unclear. As Bruckheimer’s previous comments have shown, the word “involved” can cover a wide range of possibilities.

There’s also the lingering Johnny Depp question. Bruckheimer has been open about his interest in bringing Depp back, but no official negotiations have been announced. A recent report noted that incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro may feel pressure to make an early splash on the entertainment side of the business, and reviving Pirates of the Caribbean in a meaningful way would certainly qualify. While no deal is in place, if Disney wants to signal stability and box-office confidence under new leadership, bringing Captain Jack Sparrow back into the fold would be a very headline-grabbing way to do it.

What’s fascinating is how persistent the rumors surrounding the Margot Robbie-backed film have been. Even after she publicly indicated the project wasn’t moving forward, it never fully disappeared. Now, with Bruckheimer hinting that at least part of the rumor mill is on the “right road,” the idea feels less like a relic and more like a possibility again.

At this point, the only consistent thing about Pirates 6 is that nothing is ever entirely off the table. As always with Pirates, we’re waiting for a clear signal on the horizon. Until then, the speculation isn’t going anywhere, but fans can revisit all five Pirates of the Caribbean movies with their Disney+ subscription.

A new day is dawning at the House of Mouse. Josh D’Amaro has officially been anointed as the incoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company. His tenure officially begins in March, and while there’s no way to know what Disney will be like under the new boss, there’s at least one Disney insider who is expecting big things from him at the outset.

A Disney Insider Thinks Josh D’Amaro Will Need To Make Some Big Moves Early

When Bob Iger first became CEO, he made waves almost immediately by repairing the company’s relationship with Pixar and Steve Jobs, which eventually led to Disney buying the company, one of many acquisitions Disney would make under Iger. An unnamed source inside Disney recently told Page Six that he expects Josh D’Amaro to similarly make some big moves when he takes over, specifically within the entertainment side of the business. The source said…

Josh D’Amaro comes from the Disney Experiences division, which oversees Disney’s Parks, Cruise Line, and Consumer Products. The major knock against him as the next CEO was that he didn’t have the Hollywood industry knowledge and relationships that would be important to a Disney CEO. Disney Entertainment co-head Dana Walden got promoted alongside D’Amaro to President and Chief Creative officer, seemingly to balance that knowledge in the C-Suite.

The idea from this source is that since D’Amaro isn’t a major player on the Hollywood side of things, he needs to do something early to show that he’s capable in that space. It’s not a bad point, and I know just where he should start.

Let's Get Pirates of The Caribbean 6 Happening Now

While not every Disney studio movie released has been a major hit, most of the different franchises are in decent shape right now. Star Wars has its first movie in years ready to hit theaters in a few months, and more are coming after that. Marvel Studios has a pair of Avengers movies on the way. Disney’s last live-action remake and its last animated movie both made over $1 billion dollars.

The one franchise that’s been struggling has been the Pirates of the Caribbean. The last entry in the franchise came out almost a decade ago, and while Disney has been working on a new entry for almost all that time, we still don’t have a finished script, much less a project in active development.

A new Pirates of the Caribbean movie will be a big deal if and when it ever comes. Regardless of how much of an impact on it Josh D’Amaro actually has, if he were able to announce the next chapter in the popular franchise, it would be a big deal for fans and the industry. It would also be a big deal for Wall Street, who tend to react positively to “company that makes a lot of money reveals new way to make a lot of money” sort of announcements.

Josh D’Amaro’s tenure probably won’t be full of mergers the way Bob Iger’s was. The fact is, there just isn’t as much left to buy after Iger already bought it all, though there are a few possibilities in that space, too. Still, D’Amaro will almost certainly make an impact. The only question is how.

The Pirates of the Caribbean movies have been some of Disney’s most successful live-action films that aren’t called Marvel or Star Wars. For that reason, it’s not exactly a shock that there have been plans to make more of them. However, it’s clearly been difficult to do so. The project has been in development for years, and there are reportedly multiple scripts being worked on.

One of the big questions fans have is whether or not Johnny Depp will return as Captain Jack Sparrow. Initially, it was reported that the franchise was moving on without him. However, producer Jerry Bruckheimer wants him back, and one version of a potential script would apparently include him in a major role. However, there’s another franchise return I would love to see even more in director Gore Verbinski. Unfortunately, he tells ScreenRant that he doesn’t have much interest in returning. He said…

Whatever else happens with the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, the choice of who directs is going to be a key one, and honestly, going back to the beginning and grabbing Gore Verbinski wouldn’t be a terrible choice. He’s proven he can do it, though it appears that’s exactly why he doesn’t want to do it. He seems more interested in new challenges than old ones.

Gore Verbinski directed the original Pirates of the Caribbean film, which was a smash success. This led to him returning to helm the next two sequels, which were filmed back-to-back. While I don’t think any movie in the series holds a candle to the original, the trilogy is still pretty solid and far better than the two sequels that followed it.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was directed by Rob Marshall, who has shown in recent years that he belongs behind big musicals, as he had much better success at Disney with Mary Poppins Returns and the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. The most recent film, Dead Men Tell No Tales, was helmed by Joachim Rønning, who has since gone on to direct other Disney sequels with Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and Tron: Ares.

Of course, before Disney can find a director, it has to find a script, and that’s apparently been the sticking point for this franchise for nearly a decade. Multiple writing teams have worked on ideas over the years. High-profile projects, including one that could star Margot Robbie, have been worked on, and while that project may not be as dead as we once thought, a different script is apparently the one being focused on now. Perhaps Disney’s new Chief Creative Officer can help figure out how to get these pirates sailing again.

Sam Claflin has had a pretty amazing career in Hollywood across the past 15 years, including his role in the Hunger Games movies as fan-favorite Finnick Odair, Peaky Blinders and Daisy Jones & The Six, but perhaps the way it all started is the wildest thing. The actor’s first ever movie was in 2011’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides with Johnny Depp. While it was obviously the experience of a lifetime, Claflin does have regrets about it.

In a new interview on Radio Andy, Claflin got honest about what it was like to star in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie at the age of 25. In his words:

Can you imagine going straight from studying at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts to being cast in a movie with one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars and Disney’s most massive franchise like he was? We wouldn’t know it while we’re immersed in the adventure of the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel, but Claflin was dealing with some personal struggles in the movie. As he added:

It’s actually pretty cool that the filmmakers of On Stranger Tides actually asked the young actor if he had some ideas about what to bring to his role. However, at the time, Claflin wasn’t confident enough to stick his neck out and really dive into the process.

Can one blame him? Most of us would be the same way if we were offered the biggest opportunity one could ask for at the start of their career. Interestingly enough, Sam Claflin is expected to reteam Johnny Depp soon for Ti West’s take on A Christmas Carol coming out later this year. Claflin explained his Pirates experience further with these words:

Claflin called working on On Stranger Tides as “one of the most dreamlike experiences” of his film career to this far, but he remains regretful about putting “so much pressure” on himself. Hey, it’s all part of growing up, isn’t it? In Claflin’s case, he was learning while being on a massive movie set with Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane and Geoffrey Rush.

On Stranger Tides was the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and the first time Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley were not part of the franchise as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, respectively. The Disney movie opted to bring in new talent, including Claflin’s casting as a captured missionary who serves as part of Blackbeard’s crew alongside a bunch of zombies.

After On Stranger Tides, one more Pirates movie came out six years later before the franchise was abandoned by Walt Disney Studios. There’s been a lot of talk over the years about producer Jerry Bruckheimer reportedly working on reviving the franchise (though one movie starring Margot Robbie has since died). Claflin has previously said he’s interested in returning to Pirates, but we’ll have to see what happens next for the Disneyland ride-inspired movie series.

Extreme transformations clearly run in the Skarsgård family. Stellan Skarsgård famously spent hours each morning being covered in barnacles to play Bootstrap Bill Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Now it sounds like his son, Alexander Skarsgård, has taken that legacy somewhere even stranger, with a new role that required him to be fully sealed inside prosthetics.

The former True Blood star (available to stream with an HBO Max subscription) recently opened up about the experience in an interview with Variety, as part of a wide-ranging profile. Among the films discussed was the upcoming Wicker, in which he plays a mysterious creature made of grasses and reeds who forms an unlikely bond with a lonely character played by Olivia Colman. The role didn’t just require emotional commitment but physical endurance, he explained:

This means for long stretches of shooting, Skarsgård was essentially trapped inside the character, forced to communicate through exaggerated movement and presence rather than subtle expression. It’s the kind of constraint that turns even simple scenes into a test of stamina.

Naturally, the comparison to his father came up. Stellan’s transformation for Pirates of the Caribbean is legendary, with individual barnacles glued on one by one during marathon makeup sessions. But the Northman actor, who is not above smack talking his Pops, was quick to point out that the two experiences were demanding in very different ways, saying:

Getting the makeup down to a one hour application process is pretty impressive. But, shorter prep time didn’t mean an easier day, though. Once the Murderbot performer was sealed in, there was no quick break or adjustment. The trade-off was efficiency for intensity. After shooting for two weeks, he was reportedly given a full week off just to let his skin recover from the glue.

The restrictions also forced him to rethink his performance. With his face immobilized, the Legend of Tarzan lead couldn’t rely on the micro-expressions he’s known for. Instead, he had to go bigger, exaggerating movement and energy to stay readable on screen, especially opposite an actor as subtle as Colman.

That willingness to embrace discomfort fits neatly into Skarsgård’s recent career choices. From playing a chilling tech mogul on Succession to pushing boundaries in films like Infinity Pool and Pillion, he’s consistently chosen roles that challenge traditional leading-man expectations. Vanity has never seemed to be the point.

The family throughline is hard to ignore. Between Stellan’s barnacle-covered Bootstrap Bill, Bill’s transformative turns as Pennywise and Count Orlok, and now Alexander’s wicker-bound role, extreme makeup has become a Skarsgård tradition. In each case, the transformation isn’t about spectacle, but about fully disappearing into the character. Alexander does exactly that here, even if his version comes with a more claustrophobic twist.

Audiences won’t fully appreciate the extent of the transformation until Wicker arrives on the 2026 movie schedule. Wicker is set for its world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2026, in the USA, with wider theatrical release dates expected later in the year.

There are a few rides at Disneyland that everybody should do when they find themselves there. Space Mountain is the park’s best roller coaster, and the Haunted Mansion is, I think, the best ride at Disneyland. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the most expansive and impressive. However, one of the all-time great theme park rides is Pirates of the Caribbean.

Yes, Pirates is iconic. Even if you’ve never been on the ride, there are going to be parts of it you’re at least familiar with, if only because they have been referenced in the massive movie franchise inspired by the ride. Yet it turns out the ride’s most famous scene may have actually been borrowed from a sitcom with just as much prestige.

An Old Episode Of The Andy Griffith Show May Have Inspired A Classic Disneyland Ride Scene

If I asked you to think about the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, whether you’ve ever actually been on it or not, there’s a good chance you’re mental picture of the ride is one particularly famous scene. It's one that includes pirates locked in a jail cell, trying to get the attention of a dog that is holding the key to the door in its mouth. The scene was originally conceived by Imagineer and Disney Legend Marc Davis, but it turns out he may have gotten the idea from… Andy Griffith?

Tom K. Morris is a former member of Walt Disney Imagineering, but he’s also a font of knowledge about Disney history. In a recent post on Twitter, he revealed an episode of The Andy Griffith Show from 1964 that includes a similar sequence where Andy and Barney are locked in their own jail, and the dog has the key.

The episode of the show was from the fall of 1964. Pirates of the Caribbean opened at Disneyland as part of the new New Orleans Square area in 1967. It would have been right around the time the episode aired that Pirates was being redeveloped from a walkthrough attraction to the boat ride we know today, following the development of It’s A Small World for the 1964 World’s Fair.

How Possible Is It That This Bit Of Inspiration Is True?

As for the legitimacy of all this, the timing here, as mentioned by Tom K. Morris does makes sense. It’s entirely possible that Marc Davis, the Imagineer who developed the sequence, saw this episode on TV, and it inspired him to create the moment for the new ride. Considering Davis also had a strong hand in creating the Haunted Mansion and, even in making Splash Mountain happen, though more indirectly, I wonder if any part of those also has classic TV origins.

The fact that this could have happened does not mean that it did. It’s entirely possible The Andy Griffith Show inspired Pirates of the Caribbean, but unless we can somehow prove Marc Davis watched the episode, and did so before coming up with his own design for the scene, we can’t know for sure that it happened exactly like this. I'd love to believe this is the real story though, and I'm happy this info is now out in the universe.

There's a lot to be excited about if you're a fan of One Piece, regardless of the medium. Season 2 of Netflix's live-action series is coming to the 2026 TV schedule, the anime series will finish its Egghead arc by the end of 2025, and the manga is dropping bombshell reveals as the Straw Hats journey through Elbaph. Oh, and Johnny Depp had his own brush with the fandom recently, and I'm excited to see if it goes anywhere.

Depp was at Tokyo Comic Con over the weekend, and while manga creator Eiichiro Oda wasn't onstage with him, he still made sure the Pirates of the Caribbean star received a gift. The star seemed a bit confused about his present that evoked the spirit of Captain Jack Sparrow, but I'm thrilled and hoping it means the character could show up in, or at least inspire a new character, in One Piece.

Eiichiro Oda Gave Johnny Depp A Special Drawing Of Captain Jack Sparrow

After hearing about how Eiichiro Oda texted One Piece's live-action Zoro actor Mackenyu to hang out, I'm not surprised he would opt out of giving Johnny Depp something he created in person. As such, it was Japanese voice actor for Sanji, Hiroaki Hirata, who gifted Depp with a Noren door curtain with a custom drawing of Captain Jack Sparrow in the One Piece art style. Check it out:

It may seem like a random exchange, but Hiroaki Hirata is the voice of Johnny Depp in Japan. Typically, foreign countries will have one specific voice actor dub the same American actor's voice across all their projects. Hirata has voiced Depp in thirty-six movies and counting, which may explain why he was the one to offer up the gift rather than Eiichiro Oda.

Could One Piece Bring Captain Jack Sparrow Into Its World?

If Captain Jack Sparrow appeared as an actual pirate in One Piece, I think some fans' minds would explode. That said, I think since the actual character is owned by Disney, Eiichiro Oda's series couldn't actually use the character for a 1:1 illustrated recreation.

That said, the One Piece creator has a history of basing characters on actual pirates of the past, as well as iconic celebrities. While Eiichiro Oda has never explicitly confirmed he's based characters he's drawn on popular celebrities, fans have noticed unmistakable resemblances between many characters and some of the biggest stars on the planet. This includes actors and musicians alike, with perhaps the most bizarre one being rapper Eminem.

All things considered, One Piece could definitely introduced a Captain Jack Sparrow-inspired character, and to be honest, I'm surprised that hasn't happened already. The premiere of the anime predates the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie by four years. This is to say, there's undoubtedly been a chance for Oda to pay homage to Depp with some character, but has he been holding off because he may want to make a Jack Sparrow-type of pirate? I think as long as he doesn't ask Depp to reprise the role, it could happen!

For now, I'll keep my expectations low and wait to watch the live-action adaptations of One Piece Season 2 with my Netflix subscription. Meanwhile, I'm very invested as an anime fan to see the rest of Egghead, and the fact that e everyone involved with the live-action series is already working on Season 3.

While most people visiting Diseyland are going to focus on the rides, the ability to meet and interact with your favorite Disney characters is another major draw for Disney superfans. When it comes to most characters created through a massive costume, the most you can usually hope for is a high five or a hug. But when it comes to “face” characters, anything can happen, and when that character is Captain Jack Sparrow, it usually does.

A video is currently going viral (I’ve seen it on Instagram and TikTok) of a visitor to Disneyland getting some pictures with Jack Sparrow. The meeting takes place in New Orleans Square, near the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, one of the best rides at Disneyland, where Jack Sparrow himself can be found.

It’s a hilarious interaction because while Jack Sparrow is the pirate, it’s the other guy who has the peg leg. The look on Sparrow’s face when the guest nonchalantly hands him his prosthetic limb is excellent. Check it out.

The account, which goes by the name Alex1leg, is clearly more than willing to have some fun at the expense of his own disability, and that’s on display here in a big way. Jack Sparrow really isn’t sure what to do with the peg leg, but then he warms up to the entire interaction, and the pair tries sword fighting with it, and Jack teaches the guy how to run in Sparrow’s particular fashion.

I’m not usually one for getting in line just to get photos with characters, but interactions like this are what it’s all about. The characters who have the freedom to speak, to perform the character rather than simply look like them, all have a lot of fun in the parks. Sometimes they’re standing for photos, other times you’ll just walk past them in the park and have a brief interaction that makes your day.

This isn’t even the only time that Captain Jack Sparrow has made for an incredible guest interaction. Jason Kelce recently talked about a child meltdown he had to deal with at Walt Disney World, which was ultimately solved by Captain Jack. How he can travel between both Disney resorts so quickly, I’ll never know.

And Disney doesn’t have the monopoly on this. You can run into Doc Brown at Universal Parks and have a similar experience. For a brief moment, you feel like you’re part of the franchise that you love in a way that simply watching the movie can’t provide.

While I don't have a peg leg to share with Jack Sparrow, I'll certainly be keeping my eyes open for him the next time in New Orleans Square. I'm sure he'll be getting up to something equally entertaining to watch.

The future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is in a very weird place right now. We know that Disney is actively working on a new movie, but what that movie is, is anybody’s guess. It might see the return of Johnny Depp, but it might not. It apparently includes the involvement of Margot Robbie, despite previously being told it would not. At this point, we don’t know who might appear in the new film, though one former, and largely forgotten, cast member is ready for his own return.

Following the success of the initial Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, we saw Captain Jack Sparrow throw in with some new characters for the film Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. The film introduced several new characters, like Ian McShane as Blackbeard and a young Sam Claflin as Philip, a missionary captured by Blackbeard who falls in love with a mermaid. Speaking with comicbook.com, Claflin says he’s willing to grovel to rejoin the franchise. He said…

If Sam Claflin wants to go beg Jerry Bruckheimer to become part of the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, I might be willing to join him. I would love to see the franchise return to characters of Philip and the mermaid Syrena, if for no other reason than to put some sort of an end to that story.

On Stranger Tides is something of a strange movie in the Pirates franchise now because it stands so alone. It sent Captain Jack Sparrow on a new adventure for the Fountain of Youth, and ended with Philip swimming off to seemingly become a merman, and female lead Penelope Cruz marooned on an island with a Jack Sparrow voodoo doll.

These story elements were then dropped for the next film, Dead Men Tell No Tales, so they’ve never been followed up on. If the next film in the franchise isn’t a complete reboot, then it would be great if it found a way to connect back to this orphaned movie.

While I would love to see Sam Claflin return primarily for story reasons, his own reasons for being interested in rejoining the franchise are more personal. He indicates he didn’t have nearly as much fun making the movie as he now feels he should have, largely because On Stranger Tides was his first movie, and he found the experience somewhat overwhelming. He explained…

The current understanding is that there are multiple versions of the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, with one including the return of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, something Jerry Bruckheimer wants to see, and the other not. It's highly unlikely either version would see the return of Sam Claflin's Philip, but I, for one, wouldn't be against it.

It doesn’t seem like it was all that long ago that Keira Knightley was one of the biggest movie stars in the world. The Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy alone made Knightley a household name. The actress has spoken before about how difficult it was for her to handle that level of fame at the time, but considering how terrible the paparazzi were at the time, that’s not entirely shocking.

Celebrity has to be a strange thing at any age, but Knightley was all of 18-years-old when she starred in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. She tells The Times that there was simply a point where things changed, and the paparazzi showed up at her home and then never left. She explained…

Compared to other celebrities her age, who were stars around that time, such as Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears, Knightley had far fewer moments that made for tabloid headlines at the time. However, she says that she did, in fact, “go mad” just like those others. She was just more successful at hiding it.

While paparazzi still follow celebrities and ask them questions, often attempting to get them to say or do something that will make headlines, the problem was even worse decades ago. Knightley remembers the photographers saying some absolutely horrible things simply to elicit a reaction from Knightley or somebody she was with. She continued…

Knightley may not have shaved her head like Britney Spears, but she reacted in her own way. The Love, Actually star says she began to wear the same clothes over and over again as a way to make pictures of her less valuable, a move Daniel Radcliffe would use later. If she knew there were photographers around, she would simply stop walking because a photo of her standing in one place wearing the same clothes she had on yesterday simply wasn’t worth anything to them.

Today, it seems things are much better for the 40-year-old Keira Knightley. She’s got a successful series in Black Doves and a new movie called The Woman in Cabin 10, both available with a Netflix subscription. Keira Knightley is still a star, though she’s one who clearly is enjoying not being hounded by photographers anymore.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has been such a massive success for Disney that in addition to the five movies that have already been released, a sixth movie, which will likely be a major reboot of the franchise, is still planned, despite it taking the better part of a decade so far. At this point, it’s difficult to even remember exactly what happened in which of the different Pirates movies, which is maybe why Keira Knightley straight up forgot she was even in one.

Keira Knightley, who starred in three Pirates of the Caribbean movies and had a brief cameo in the fifth one, leads the new movie The Woman in Cabin 10, available today with a Netflix subscription. Included in the film’s cast is Kaya Scodelario, who, though she shared no scenes with Knightley, also appeared in the most recent film. This connection was brought up by The Wrap in a recent interview with Knightley, though the actress somewhat hilariously forgot she was even in that movie. Check out the exchange below.

If you forgot Keira Knightley was in the last "Pirates of the Caribbean," don't worry — even she forgot. Knightley was visibly stunned when TheWrap's Andi Ortiz pointed out that she was briefly in the fifth Pirates, which featured Knightley's "The Woman in Cabin 10" co-star Kaya Scodelario.

— @thewrap.com (@thewrap.com.bsky.social) 2025-10-10T17:09:53.775Z

I have to say I adore this entire interaction. The fact that Keira Knightley straight-up forgot she was in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is kind of hilarious. She handles the news remarkably well, though, and appreciates the information. Honestly, the interviewer might be even more embarrassed by the situation as the person breaking the news.

To be fair to Keira Knightley, I don’t think we can necessarily blame her for forgetting her in Pirates 5. She absolutely remembers that she had a brief cameo in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie; she just doesn’t realize that it was the fifth one. Honestly, sometimes I have to remind myself how many Pirates of the Caribbean movies there have been, and I consider myself a pretty big fan of the franchise.

Keira Knightley also has something of a love/hate relationship with the entire Pirates franchise. They made her a movie star, which helped her achieve the level of success that she currently has, but she’s spoken openly about the difficulties she had after the films, specifically the way she was objectified by fans.

While Orlando Bloom has suggested getting the band back together for the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie, it seems unlikely at this point that Knightley will want to return. The cameo in Pirates 5, the one she forgot about, wrapped up the storyline for her character, Elizabeth Swann, and Bloom’s Will Turner, so there’s no real need for any such return. At least if there aren't any more Pirates movies for Knightley, she won't have any more she needs to remember. She has plenty of movies behind her without playing Elizabeth anyway!

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of Disney’s most successful live-action franchises, which makes it more than a little surprising that we haven’t seen an entry in the series in eight years. That hasn’t been for lack of trying, as there have been multiple scripts in development for the series at different points. One of those scripts might see the return of Johnny Depp, and another, that we thought was dead, would have starred Margot Robbie.

The most recent comments, from both Margot Robbie herself and franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer, were that the project was, if not dead, on the back burner, but now it appears that may not entirely be the case.

What Margot Robbie Said About Her Pirates Of The Caribbean Movie

Back in 2020, three years after the last PotC movie and two years after Disney reportedly decided to move forward with the franchise without Johnny Depp, there were reportedly two different Pirates movies in development at Disney, one was believed to have been more of a direct sequel to the previous films, with writers Ted Elliot and Craig Mazin attached. The other would have rebooted the franchise, starring Margot Robbie and written by her Birds of Prey scribe, Christina Hodson.

At some point, Disney decided to move forward with the first script, not the one Robbie was involved in. While the actress and producer has never said a great deal about what that movie would have been, she did confirm its existence, as well as its apparent demise back in 2022, saying…

Later comments from producer Jerry Bruckheimer seemed to indicate that Robbie’s project wasn’t entirely dead and might still happen down the road. At that point, the case was that the other movie would happen first, but considering we’ve heard nothing about it in years, and that Disney has yet to produce any Pirates of the Caribbean follow-up in the ensuing years, the project certainly seemed over.

What Jerry Bruckheimer Is Now Saying About Robbie’s Future In the Franchise

But that may not actually be the case. In a recent conversation with The Wrap, when Jerry Bruckheimer was asked about the status of Pirates of the Caribbean 6 and Margot Robbie’s involvement specifically, he said:

This was reportedly in reference to the upcoming film, which was written by franchise scribe Ted Elliot, but is reportedly undergoing rewrites from an unnamed screenwriter.

So now it appears that Margot Robbie is part of the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie after all. That said, the word “involved” covers a lot of ground. It could mean that plans are for her to play a role in the film, possibly even the lead, but it could also mean that she’s involved as a producer.

Robbie’s LuckyChap Productions has also been previously attached to another Disney movie based on a theme park ride, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. However, that’s another project we haven’t heard much about in a while.

At this point, the only thing that’s clear about the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is that very little is clear. As a fan, I’m certainly looking forward to getting something soon, and as a fan of Margot Robbie, I’m up for whatever part she may play in the franchise’s future.

For the past 45 years, Jerry Bruckheimer has been one of the most influential producers in Hollywood, bringing us popular movies like Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, Bad Boys, Pirates of the Caribbean, National Treasure, and most recently among 2025 movie releases, F1 with Brad Pitt. So, what’s next? Bruckheimer has just weighed in, and it’s worth talking out a bit.

Blockbuster Producer Jerry Bruckheimer Comments On The State Of 3 Big Franchises

When the producer spoke to Variety at its own Entertainment & Technology Summit, he name dropped three franchises while talking about where he’s putting his focus next. In his words:

Bruckheimer said his hands are in about 30 projects right now, which are in various stages of development. Still, these three have to be the most high profile on everyone’s minds, and it sounds like he’s ready to deliver. Now, the producer didn’t expand on where exactly he’s at with these franchises, but he did give Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt specifically props for how they both are invested in making a “great movie” with a “great performance” for audiences that “will love it.”

Why Top Gun 3 Seems To Be Well On Its Way, And Pirates 6 Is Taking So Long

So let’s put these comments a bit more in context with what we’ve heard about them over the years.

First off with Top Gun 3. We’ve been hearing a lot more about the followup to Maverick than Pirates or the next F1 movie after the sequel was such a success in 2022. Over the summer, Joseph Kosinski said he thought they “found a way in” to continue Top Gun after Bruckheimer’s update from the year prior was that they were exploring “some interesting ideas” but hadn't landed one. Certainly, Top Gun 3 seems to still be in the development stage as Bruckheimer confirms, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Cruise is back in one of those fighter jets.

Then there’s F1. The movie starring Brad Pitt had a successful box office run starting with its impressive opening weekend and $624 million worldwide gross. It’s great to hear Bruckheimer’s ready to do another sequel, but it’s worth noting Kosinski directed it, too. So it might need to be Top Gun 3, and then the second F1 movie unless another filmmaker takes it up.

Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is where things get more sticky. The last we heard about the Disney franchise was from a report that suggested Bruckheimer was developing two versions of the next Pirates movies on “parallel tracks.” One that would bring back Johnny Depp into the mix if they could get him back, and one that wouldn’t. Bruckheimer said earlier this year he thinks Depp would do it if he likes the script, and Orlando Bloom has separately shown interest, saying it would “be great to get the band back together.” But we still have yet to see official movement on which direction will actually happen.

All in all, there’s a lot to be excited about Bruckheimer’s comments. Top Gun, Pirates and F1 are crowd-pleasing franchises, and we're curious how the producer lands with them once they get out of the development stage into production.

It’s been nearly a decade since the last of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies set sail, but talk of a reboot or sequel has never really gone away. Orlando Bloom, who once considered passing on the role of Will Turner before embracing it as a career-defining part, has now taken some time out of his busy 2025 movie release schedule to weigh in on how Disney could “win” with another installment. And honestly, his idea makes a lot of sense.

Bloom reminded fans at Fan Expo Chicago (via Entertainment Weekly) this weekend that dead franchises just might be back. The Lord of the Rings veteran didn’t pitch an elaborate spin-off or a bold reinvention. Instead, his idea was refreshingly simple: bring the band back together. He said:

It’s hard to argue with that logic. While the Pirates franchise (which is streaming ith a Disney+ subscription) has experimented with new characters and shifting focuses in later films, what fans often crave is the original dynamic that made the series a global sensation in the first place and the chemistry between Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, and, of course, Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow. The Kingdom of Heaven actor doubled down on his belief that a true reunion is the only way forward:

In other words, if Disney wants to revive Pirates in a meaningful way, half-measures won’t cut it. The audience doesn’t just want a nostalgic callback; they want the whole crew back aboard the Black Pearl. And a big factor in getting everyone on board will, of course, hinge on the script's quality.

Of course, there are some stormy seas to navigate. Johnny Depp’s highly publicized legal battles have complicated any potential comeback, and even Geoffrey Rush has weathered his own court fight in recent years. Still, longtime Pirates producer Jerry Bruckheimer hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Captain Jack and the original crew hoisting the sails again. The 48-year-old English actor also speculated on where Disney might be steering the franchise next. As he put it:

Disney has previously floated ideas of spin-offs (including Margot Robbie’s much-discussed female-led project), but Bloom’s comments cut through the fog: no amount of fresh angles or reboots can replicate the lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry of the original cast.

And maybe that’s the point. If Pirates of the Caribbean really does hoist the sails again, perhaps the “way to win” is not reinventing the wheel, but bringing the crew back together one last time for a proper voyage.

If you want to revisit the best of the series, all five movies are streaming on Disney+.

Update: The Walt Disney World website has now been updated and states that reservations for the Beak and Barrel will not go live today, August 14, "due to technical difficulties." A new date will be shared later.

When something new opens at Walt Disney World, you expect it to be popular and crowded. Long lines at Disney World are part of the cost of doing business. However, the newest addition to Magic Kingdom, the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Beak and Barrel Tavern, doesn’t open for another two weeks, and getting in is already a complete mess.

The Beak And Barrel Tavern Broke Disney World’s Website

The first reservations for the Beak and Barrel Tavern were supposed to go live on the Walt Disney World website this morning. Unfortunately, as of this writing, I can’t confirm that anybody has been able to make a reservation for it or any other dining location in all of Walt Disney World. Just before reservations were set to go live, the entire dining reservation system crashed, and things have yet to be resolved.

If you access the Walt Disney World dining reservation system right now, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to make any reservations. Error messages are popping up on a regular basis as one tries to select dates, times, and locations. It seems everybody must want that cool pirate skull mug as badly as I do.

Even if you’re able to get into the reservation system, The Beak and Barrel is currently showing zero availability, as if reservations are completely booked out. However, it appears that rather than all reservations being taken, they simply aren’t actually available yet. Reservations might go live at any moment, or they may get postponed to a new date. Right now it's unclear.

Disney Parks’ Website History Is A Comedy Of Errors

If this were a rare, one-time situation, then it would be frustrating and unfortunate but understandable. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. If anything, this was entirely expected.

Anytime Disney World or Disneyland has tried to use the internet to let guests get access to anything, it’s a safe bet that something will go haywire. From booking space to a RunDisney event to buying tickets to a Disney After Hours event to joining a virtual queue for a brand new attraction, systems completely breaking down is the rule, not the exception.

It’s frustrating because Disney Parks have recently made upgrades to the dining reservation system that have been very welcome. They've relaxed cancellation rules, and guests can now search for availability over a range of dates and times rather than just searching one day at a time. It makes booking dining much easier than it once was, but only if it all works, of course.

The good news is that guests looking to visit the Beak and Barrel when it opens may still have a chance, though it’s unclear exactly when reservations will be made available. As somebody who really wants to check it out, hopefully this will all be worked out soon.

For years, it seemed Johnny Depp’s swashbuckling days as Captain Jack Sparrow (one of his best performances) were over. Disney severed ties with the actor in 2018, and during his highly publicized 2022 defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard, the Edward Scissorhands actor famously declared he wouldn’t return “for $300 million and a million alpacas.” Now, Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer says the tide may be turning.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bruckheimer revealed that he has spoken to Depp about coming back for the sixth Pirates film, and the actor is at least open to the idea. The famous Producer explained:

It’s been a long eight years since Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales hit theaters in 2017, reuniting the former 21 Jump Street performer with Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley. Talks of a sixth film have been swirling since at least 2019, but the project has been stalled by script rewrites, shifting creative visions, including a version that would have starred Margot Robbie, but has reportedly been shelved, and most recently, the 2023 dual Hollywood strikes.

Bruckheimer confirmed the new installment is still in active development. Craig Mazin (The Last of Us) was initially collaborating with original series writer Ted Elliott before the strikes, but Jeff Nathanson (Dead Men Tell No Tales) has since taken the lead.

The longtime Pirates of the Caribbean shepherd has described the upcoming movie as a reboot, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a Sparrow-less voyage. He was previously quoted, saying:

Depp’s influence on the character is the stuff of Hollywood legend. Jack Sparrow’s eccentric blend of Pepé Le Pew charm and Keith Richards swagger wasn’t in the original script, but was the actor’s invention. And it’s hard to imagine the franchise without it.

If the Ed Wood star does step back into Captain Jack’s boots, it would signal a major thaw in his post-2018 split with Disney and years of self-imposed distance from Hollywood studio fare. The Pirates of the Caribbean producer once admitted he couldn’t secure even a cameo for Depp in future installments. Since the trial, the actor has largely focused on independent projects, but Bruckheimer believes the right script could lure him back to the helm.

That’s the caveat: the script needs to be something the Rango star feels is worthy of Jack’s return. As Bruckheimer puts it, “It’s all about what’s on the page.” Until that’s locked, the Black Pearl’s course remains uncertain. But for fans, the fact that Johnny Depp and Jerry Bruckheimer are talking and that the door isn’t closed might be the most hopeful sign in years.

As we wait for more news on the possible return of Captain Jack, fans of the Pirates franchise can revisit the first five installments with their Disney+ subscription.

It is a popcorn bucket world, and we’re all just living in it. Between the remarkable popcorn buckets released alongside every blockbuster movie and the ones that are released at theme parks like Walt Disney World, it’s clear that they are the hot merch item of the moment. And while I’ve certainly seen some Disney World popcorn buckets I love, on my next trip, I will be coming home with a new mug.

2025 has been a great year for Disney World, especially for people like me who love Disney World lounge. That's because we’re getting not one, but two new locations to take a load off and grab a bite. Epcot’s Spaceship Earth lounge Geo-82 opened earlier this year, and today Disney World announced that the new Pirates of the Caribbean lounge, Beak & Barrel, will open at Magic Kingdom on August 29.

Along with the announcement, the lounge’s menu has been released, which includes a cocktail called Plunderer’s Punch. It is, of course, a rum-based drink, but more importantly, it’s served in a pirate skull mug that is absolutely awesome.

This mug looks super cool. From the image, it appears to be quite sturdy, and it comes with rum, so I see no downside. Where has the rum gone? With me.

Not only will I feel like a pirate drinking this one at the Beak & Barrel when I buy it, but I look forward to feeling equally piratical every time I drink from it in the future. This one will be coming home with me.

Just like Disney World has an endless number of popcorn buckets or sippers that you can buy along with a snack, lounges all over the resort have special drinks that are served in a souvenir mug. They’re honestly a great way to kill two birds with one stone and get both the food or drink you were going to get anyway, as well as a souvenir from your trip.

While I rarely feel the need to buy every popcorn bucket I see, I’ve had to stop myself from transforming my entire collection of beverage glasses into Disney World and Disneyland souvenirs. I mean, why would I want to drink out of anything other than a glass that reminds me of the most magical place on Earth?

To be fair, everything else on the menu at Beak & Barrel looks and sounds as amazing as this mug. I don’t see a drink on the menu that I wouldn’t want to try. I guess I'll be visiting more than once. The food looks equally tasty and also unique. Kraken’s Catch, a cold salad complete with octopus tentacles, looks especially interesting.

Beak & Barrel is set to open at Magic Kingdom on August 29, with reservations opening up on August 14. I don’t know when I’ll be making my next trip to Disney World, but Beak & Barrel reservations will absolutely be on my to-do list. I'll see you at the tavern.

Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth, but apparently, for some people, the joy that comes from fun rides and great vibes just isn’t enough. As much has been said about Disney Adults, they are adults after all, and anybody who has been in the theme park world for any length of time has certainly heard stories of people getting up to…adult activities on theme park rides. It turns out actor Dave Franco is one adult who has done just that.

Dave Franco Reveals He Had Sex On Pirates Of The Caribbean

Franco, who stars in the new well-reviewed film Together, recently appeared on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where host Alex Cooper asked him what the wildest place he had ever had sex was. The actor revealed an event, at an undisclosed time in the past, where he got a little freaky on one of Disneyland’s classic attractions. He said…

Franco is certainly right that Disneyland attractions have cameras everywhere. Having said that, I’d be more concerned with the other people riding on the attraction. Even if they were in the back seat of the boat, the next boat isn’t that far behind, and the people in the front would certainly have been able to see what was going on.

And while Dave Franco and his unnamed partner may not have gotten busted by Disneyland Cast Members, that doesn’t mean that he didn’t still give them a show. While Cast Members will often get on a loudspeaker to shut down any inappropriate activity, they don’t always do that, though even in the dark, they can see everything. I'm not aware of people being banned from Disneyland for this particular activity, but it's certainly possible, so people should beware.

People Having Sex On Disney Parks Rides Is Far From Uncommon

A quick glance at Reddit reveals plenty of stories from both people who have attempted amorous encounters on Disneyland rides, people who have witnessed such things, and the Cast Members who had to deal with it. If nothing else, it confirms that even if you don’t think anybody saw you having sex on the Haunted Mansion, people absolutely did.

Pirates of the Caribbean does appear to be a popular choice for those looking to get busy at Disneyland. It makes some sense. The ride doesn’t have a lap bar or any other seat restraint, and it’s also the longest ride at Disneyland, giving you the most time to do whatever it is you’re going to do. Though it's also one of the best rides at Disneyland, and you're going to miss a lot about it if you're...otherwise engaged.

That said, please don’t have sex at Disneyland. I have to get on that ride after you, and I don’t even want to think about what the previous rider was up to.

What do rowdy ride lovers and Johnny Depp have in common; besides looking forward to everything new at Disneyland? For the purposes of the following discussion, the answer is that they’re both trying to get back into the world of Pirates of the Caribbean. While Depp’s rumored “negotiations” cannot be confirmed or denied, a recent Disneyland visitor was caught on video climbing into the set of the legacy attraction.

Having seen the video myself, I have to agree with the same sentiment that commenters have been throwing into the comments section of this post. I mean, how do you not get a lifetime Disneyland ban after jumping ship and mixing it up with animatronics that debuted in 1967? That’s exactly what happened in a TikTok video that made the rounds.

Don’t worry, because as you’ll see in the footage included below, a Disney Cast Member actually escorted this person away before they could do any damage:

From where I’m standing, this Pirates-flavored incident is definitely worse than when a guest swam in Epcot’s World Showcase lagoon, but isn’t as bad as any of the many physical brawls at Walt Disney World or any other Disney park. That doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be some sort of consequences though, which means it’s time to cue the upset fans calling for that ban through this sampling of comments:

• “Wtf, there’s a lifetime ban!” - @reebles79
• “Goodbye Disney properties for the rest of their days” - @just_steferz
• “Why do people spend so much money to ruin not only the experience for others but then also get a lifetime ban from Disney?” - @kellyandrews01
• “I’m starting to believe lifetime bans don’t exist anymore because why is this happening more and more?” - @sassytinaaa
• “And that’s how you never get to go to Disney ever again” - @navscoleod

Theme park fans aren’t always as uniform in their responses as these cries for banning the Pirates of the Caribbean thrill seekers you witnessed. In fact, the first thing that comes to mind is how last summer’s D23 Expo used Horizons as its park panel’s branding, which left fans feeling a certain way. (You do not toy with people's feelings on Disney attractions we wish still existed. You just don't!)

I guess now we can add climbing into legacy attractions to that list as well, which is funny considering Horizon’s own history of that same sort of behavior. At least no one was hurt during this trip into battle on the high seas. After all, when Pirates of the Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don’t eat the tourists.

Though I’m sure some Disneyland security professionals were hungry to give these unnamed parties a reading from Uncle Walt’s Riot Act, and rightfully so. Not only are fans inconvenienced when this happens, but the potential for unintended danger and injury are always present.

Keira Knightley is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the still-beloved (and rewatched) Pride & Prejudice. As successful as the film was though, that specific time in her life did leave her with some scars… and no, we’re not talking about sword fighting. Knightley got candid about feeling like there was a lot of hate toward her for her role in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which she starred in around the same time she made the book adaptation.. On top of that, she also explained how the response to the Jane Austen film threw her for a loop.

The actress recently sat down with her P&P co-star, Rosamund Pike, to discuss the romance film for its anniversary. Both actresses shared some fun tidbits, including a fun Donald Sutherland story involving a gas mask at a party. Knightley eventually opened up about the interesting dichotomy of being linked to both the adaptation of the Jane Austen novel and Disney's blockbuster pirate saga:

This new interview, which was conducted by Vanity Fair, wasn’t the first time Keira Knightley has been honest about how she felt while making the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. In fact, she's been quite candid about the ups and downs that came with playing Elizabeth Swann alongside Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow and Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner. She also said this during her recent chat:

The first Pirates movie earned a lot of great praise from critics when it hit theaters 2003. but the second film, 2006's Dead Man's Chest, was not met with the same reactions. Nevertheless, that follow-up mostly well received amongst fans.

Keira Knightley previously said she felt like she “was seen as shit” by the public at the time due to her connection to the massive IP. During another interview, Knightley said she didn't enjoy playing a character who was “the object of everybody’s lust”. In short, the star felt “very constrained” as Elizabeth Swann. So, when Pride & Prejudice earned positive reviews, an Oscar nomination and commercial success, she wasn’t sure how to take it.

To put something in context, Knightley was 18 years old when the first Pirates movie came out and 20 when Pride & Prejudice opened in theaters. I'd imagine it can't be easy for someone that age to become so famous and have to contend with commentary on their performances and physical appearance. Knightley has also talked before about how “brutal” it was for her privacy to be taken away as a teenager and to be “put under that scrutiny when you are still growing.”

Knightley has also referred to her time being a young actress in the early 2000s as a “very violent, misogynistic atmosphere,” as it included commentary about her weight and suggestions that she had an eating disorder – which she says she didn’t have. She suffered a mental breakdown at the age of 22 before being diagnosed with PTSD and taking a year off acting.

It’s certainly a shame that Keira Knightley’s most fruitful time of her career had to be accompanied by such negativity. While that’s perhaps what the media projected at her, she was and remains -- in fans' eyes -- iconic for playing the fiery and headstrong Elizabeth Swann in the Pirates movies in so many fans’ eyes. And, of course, she'll also remain iconic for playing Elizabeth Bennett in Pride & Prejudice, which is streamable with a Max subscription.

It’s wild to think it's been almost a decade since the latest of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies came out. On top of that, it's also been over 20 years since the blockbuster franchise began. Despite how much time has passed though, Disney’s swashbuckling franchise remains a treasure for the studio, and within Orlando Bloom’s career. As the British actor recently promoted 2025 movie release, he recalled the time he needed to be convinced to play Will Turner. Not only that, but he also dropped thoughts on reprising his famed role.

Orlando Bloom Almost Turned Down Pirates Of The Caribbean For Being A ‘Crazy’ Idea

Earlier this year, Bloom spoke about having “a lot of respect” for his time on the Pirates movies. The 48-year-old actor also revealed -- while promoting his new film, Deep Cover -- that it actually took some convincing for him to buy into the concept of the film series. As he recalled to L’Officiel:

While the idea of making a movie out of a Disney theme park ride seems like a no-brainer these days. However, only a couple of those kinds of films had hit theaters before The Curse of the Black Pearl did in 2003, and they weren't that successful. So Orlando Bloom wasn’t sure it was a good idea. However, when he was offered the role, he was working with Geoffrey Rush (a.k.a. Captain Hector Barbosa of the Pirates series) on the film Ned Kelly. It was on that set that Rush assured Bloom it was a good idea to take the role, and now the latter jokes:

Orlando Bloom went on to star as Will Turner alongside Johnny Depp and Kiera Knightley in four out of the five Pirates of the Caribbean movies. To this day, Will remains one of Bloom's most beloved movie characters right behind Legolas in The Lord of the Rings films. I’m sure he’s grateful he listened to Rush!

Orland Bloom Shares Thoughts On Returning To The Pirates Franchise

That brings us to the future of Pirates of the Caribbean, which has remained in flux ever since the fifth movie hit cinemas in 2017. Over the years, there have been a lot of reports about what’s going on with the franchise. There have been claims that suggest both a reboot and continuation to the series starring Johnny Depp are in the works. Here’s what Bloom told ITV’s This Morning about his thoughts about returning as Turner (via Wales Online):

At the end of 2024, it was confirmed that there are two scripts for Pirates 6 in existence, one with Depp's Jack Sparrow and one without him. And, earlier this week, there was buzz regarding a rumor about Depp being in “advanced” negotiations with Disney to play the beloved pirate once again. At this time, we’re definitely taking those claims with a grain of salt for now. Nevertheless, it’s great to hear that Bloom is still up for more years after nearly turning down the franchise's original film.

As we speculate about what could be next for Pirates of the Caribbean, see Orlando Bloom in Deep Cover, which lands on Amazon Prime Video on June 12.

Johnny Depp was once one of the biggest movie stars in the world. However, following a pair of major legal battles the actor’s career had once appeared to be completely over. He’s recently been working on a comeback, however, and if recent rumors are to be believed, he could be on the verge of a major return in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Johnny Depp’s Biggest Movie Since His Legal Battles Is On The Way

Johnny Depp is currently working on the film Day Drinker, which will be the actor’s highest profile movie since his lengthy legal battle with ex Amber Heard. He’ll co-star alongside Penelope Cruz, who publicly defended Depp. And an unnamed source recently told InTouch Weekly that the actor is looking to return to his previous level of success, saying…

Of course, for Johnny Depp to have a “full” return to his former glory, as the unnamed source suggests here, that’s going to mean a return to major blockbuster movies. And surprisingly, according to some reports that may actually be happening.

Could Johnny Depp Return For Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 After All?

The Pirates of the Caribbean movies have been some of the most successful live-action films Disney has made outside of Marvel and Star Wars. A sixth movie in the franchise seemed like a sure thing, but following Johnny Depp’s legal troubles, the decision was made to reboot the franchise without him.

There have been multiple scripts in development in the last few years. A project that would have starred Margot Robbie was considered, but has reportedly been shelved., However, most recently, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who has not hidden his desire to keep Depp involved, revealed that there are two scripts for a new Pirates movie currently in development, and one of them would have Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow returning.

What’s more, a story from Express indicates that Depp is in “advanced” negotiations with Disney for a return. While we have to take this report with a grain of salt, if it’s true, it would seem that not only is Johnny Depp’s return to the Pirates franchise possible, it’s actually becoming likely.

It would certainly be a major shift for Disney. The studio has continually insisted that the franchise was moving on from Captain Jack Sparrow. Jerry Bruckheimer had indicated he’d been unable to secure so much as a cameo for Depp in a future Pirates movie.

Of course, nothing will be official until we hear it from Disney. A new Pirates of the Caribbean movie being officially confirmed will be big news, and the inclusion, or lack thereof, of Johnny Depp will be a big part of the ensuing conversation.

Keira Knightley has had some incredible roles over the years, from a fun teen comedy, Bend it Like Beckham, to Pride & Prejudice, to Atonement, to The Imitation Game. But for many fans, she’ll always be Elizabeth Swann, the fearless, sharp-witted heroine from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. And while she made swashbuckling and sword-fighting look easy, it turns out filming wasn’t always smooth sailing for the actress—especially when it came to stunts.

In a behind-the-scenes clip recently shared by the Instagram account Cineatomy, Knightley revealed that she initially thought the movies based on theme park attractions would be a breezy job. But she quickly realized the action-packed role had other plans for her. She recalled:

One particularly nerve-wracking moment came when she had to perform a high dive off a ship's plank. She admitted that standing on the plank for two whole days had her completely petrified. When director Gore Verbinski told her she didn’t have to go through with the stunt, she wasn’t about to back down. She continued:

Talk about dedication! And while she may have been terrified, she was all smiles once she hit the water. She recounted:

It’s safe to say Knightley’s Pirates of the Caribbean experience was far more in line with the best action movies than she anticipated. From epic sword fights to daring escapes, Elizabeth Swann held her own alongside Jack Sparrow and Will Turner, proving to be one of the franchise’s best characters.

Though she bowed out of the series after At World's End (only briefly returning for a cameo in Dead Men Tell No Tales), the Black Doves performer’s portrayal of Elizabeth remains iconic. And knowing she tackled many of her own stunts makes her performance even more impressive.

For fans wanting to relive Keira Knightley's swashbuckling adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and its sequels are available to stream with a Disney+ subscription. There’s been a lot of buzz about what’s next for the franchise, but one thing’s for sure: thanks to the young actress’s energy, Elizabeth Swann will always be a sea legend.

Keira Knightley's next big project is a book-to-movie adaptation of The Woman in Cabin 10, which is hopefully set to be released sometime in the 2025 movie schedule.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has been one of the few live-action brands that Disney has seen success with outside of Marvel and Star Wars. However, following a fairly successful fifth outing, the film series has been in a holding pattern. Disney still insists that a new Pirates of the Caribbean is coming, but we have no idea when, or which characters will return. We’re still not expecting Johnny Depp to return, but could we see Orlando Bloom again?

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has repeatedly stated his hope that Johnny Depp will return for the next PotC movie, despite Disney’s statements that the franchise was moving on without him. While the passage of time makes a Depp return more plausible, EW recently asked another franchise star Orlando Bloom if we would be interested in returning for the next film. He left the door open, admitting he had fun the first time around, and so he’s at least open to the possibility. Bloom said…

After not appearing in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Bloom appeared in a small role in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. His return, and a literal one-shot cameo by Kiera Knightley, allowed the franchise to put a button on their relationship and the franchise’s major outstanding plot point.

While Bloom admits to having fun making the Pirates films, Kiera Knightley has made recent comments that making the movies were tougher for her, indicating she has zero desire to return to the franchise. Bloom appreciates his time in the movies but understands that Knightley did not, saying…

At this point, a return of Orlando Bloom to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is as possible as anything else. There have been multiple movie projects in development for the series, including one that would have starred Margot Robbie, that movie is not the one currently in development, but Bruckheimer has said that making the movie in the future is still on the table.

Bruckheimer has also indicated that a return of Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow is also a possibility. The more time passes, the more likely it is that Disney could change its mind on not including him in the next film.

If the next Pirates movie is a direct sequel to the last one or is even simply set in the same universe, then roles for Depp and/or Bloom are at least possible. The next film could also just as easily be a full franchise reboot, however. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, whenever it happens.

Keira Knightley became a global superstar almost overnight thanks to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The movies were massive hits that made Knightley a household name. Except for a brief cameo in the most recent Pirates film, she’s stayed away from franchise movies in general since completing the initial trilogy. Today, the actress says she’s never going back to making movies like that.

Kiera Knightley clearly has a love/hate relationship with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Speaking with The Times, she admits that the movies opened doors for her, but she also says that she was looked down on in the industry because of her involvement in the blockbuster films. Knightley explained…

Knightley has previously talked about the difficult place the Pirates movies put her in, with her character, being the “object of everyone’s lust.” The films made her a celebrity and launched her career, a career that would eventually lead to Oscar nominations and numerous other accolades. They also put her in the public eye, which resulted in a lot of critical reporting, including accusations of an eating disorder.

Despite Keira Knightley’s success in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, which she honestly thought would bomb, she is one of those actors who has yet to appear in a major superhero movie or other modern franchise. In an era when it seems that every actor is going to be in the MCU eventually, there are no signs that she will. That is likely all due to her choices because she says following the Pirates movies, she simply has no desire to be involved in that sort of project again. According to Knightley…

The future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise still has a lot of questions, as we don’t know who will be in it or what it will be about. Even Johnny Depp's participation, which seemed sure to not happen, is now in some doubt. But it seems we can pretty definitively say that Keira Knightley won’t be back. Not all her memories of them are good and she has no interest to go back.

While Disney has tried time and again to make successful movies out of theme park attractions, there has only ever really been one success. The Pirates of the Caribbean movies have been massive box office hits, even when they’re not particularly loved by critics. The franchise has been in limbo for years following the decision to move forward without Johnny Depp but the franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer has been, and continues to be, a major supporter.

Bruckheimer has made no secret of the fact that he personally would still like to include Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, even if it’s only by having Captain Jack Sparrow appear in a cameo role. The producer is only continuing to show support for the actor, and the two were recently seen together.

Jerry Bruckheimer And Johnny Depp Reunited At Depp’s Art Exhibition

A new exhibit of Johnny Depp’s art recently went on display in New York City and when the exhibition opened Jerry Bruckheimer and his wife were in attendance. Just Jared has a picture of the pair together, likely for the first time in several years.

It’s not surprising to see the pair together as Bruckheimer has remained steadfast in his support for Depp. The two are clearly friends, and Bruckheimer has been the strongest voice in favor of seeing Captain Jack Sparrow turn to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. While the major producer is in favor of it, most signs have pointed to it not happening, though the exact state of the franchise today is unclear.

What’s Going On With The Pirates Of The Caribbean Franchise

While Disney has repeatedly indicated that there is a future for the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, what that future looks like, other than it not including Johnny Depp is unknown. At one point there were two different PotC scripts in development. One project that would have included Margot Robbie has been shelved, though Bruckheimer says that idea could still see the light of day down the road.

The most recent rumor indicated that Austin Butler was being eyed for a role in the new film, but so far that has remained unsubstantiated. The recent D23 event from Disney went by without any mention of a new Pirates film, so at this point, it seems the film isn’t coming in the short term.

Several upcoming movies based on Disney Parks attractions are still planned, though none of them seem to be any closer than the next Pirates sequel to actually happening.

The more time passes, the more possible a Johnny Depp return to the Pirates of the Caribbean becomes. Of course, that assumes that a new movie does happen at all. Considering the franchise's popularity it seems certain that movie will come eventually but what it looks like when it gets here is anybody's guess.

It has been more than two decades since the Pirates of the Caribbean movies first set sail – achieving not one, but two goals that no other studio in Hollywood would dare to attempt at the time. Not only did the original installment from 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, prove that pirate movies could still be a hit after a long box office dry spell but also that movies based on theme park attractions could make a killing.

Since then, a current total of five swashbuckling adventures starring Academy Award nominee Johnny Depp as the goofy and drunken, but heroic, Capt. Jack Sparrow have been released – all of which are available with a Disney+ subscription. I have mapped out how to watch the best Pirates of the Caribbean movies in order of release date (which also aligns with their chronological order), including tips on all the different ways to watch them.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley

The film that started it all, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (one of the best movies of the 2000s), sees the legendary Capt. Jack Sparrow (whom Johnny Depp based on Pepe Le Pew and The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards) enlisted by young blacksmith William Turner to help him rescue the woman he loves – the governor’s daughter, Elizabeth Swann – who is being held captive by Captain Hector Barbossa on the eponymous ship. What Will does not know, and what Jack has only just discovered, is that they are preparing to take on a crew of ruthless swashbucklers who are cursed with immortality and a ghastly, skeletal appearance under the moonlight.

How to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl

• Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Disney+
• Rent or buy Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Amazon
• Buy Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Blu-ray on Amazon

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Stellan Skarsgård

Many of the most badass moments from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise come from Dead Man’s Chest, in which Capt. Jack Sparrow is enjoying his reclamation of the Black Pearl and Will and Elizabeth are about to wed. However, their new lives are upended when Jack learns from Will’s father, “Bootstrap Bill” Turner, owes a debt to the fabled, cursed seafarer, Davy Jones, and Will is forced to find Jack’s compass to prevent him and Elizabeth from facing the gallows.

How to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

• Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest on Disney+
• Rent or buy Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest on Amazon
• Buy Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest on Blu-ray on Amazon

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

Director: Gore Verbinski

Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Chow Yun-Fat

Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End picks up relatively soon after the cliffhanger ending in Dead Man’s Chest, with the likes of Will, Elizabeth, and others forming an alliance with their enemy, a resurrected Hector Barbossa, to find a way to rescue Capt. Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones’ Locker. Of course, that mission turns out to be only the beginning of their adventure, which involves a war for control of Davy Jones himself and the Flying Dutchman and an epic battle that will decide the fate of piracy as we know it. Also, Keith Richards makes his first appearance as Jack’s father, Captain Edward Teague.

How to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

• Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End on Disney+
• Rent or buy Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End on Amazon
• Buy Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End on Blu-ray on Amazon

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Director: Rob Marshall

Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Geoffrey Rush

At the conclusion of At World’s End, Capt. Jack Sparrow is seen going off on his own in a search for the coveted Fountain of Youth but Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides shows that he is not only on after eternal life. Joining Jack to find a treasure unlike any other are his one-time rival Hector Barbossa, his one-time lover Angelica, and Angelica’s father – the one and only Blackbeard – as they set sail on the Queen Anne’s Revenge.

How to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

• Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Disney+
• Rent or buy Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Amazon
• Buy Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Blu-ray on Amazon

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Director: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg

Starring: Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Geoffrey Rush, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario

Similar to the plot of The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales sees Capt. Jack Sparrow teaming up with a young thrill-seeker (William Turner’s son, Henry) and an ambitious young woman (amateur astronomer Carina Smyth) against a cursed, vengeful pirate from Jack’s past. This time, however, the cursed pirate crew is led by Captain Armando Salazar, who engages in a race against Jack, Henry, Carina, and Hector Barbossa to find the Trident of Poseidon, which grants the wielder rule over the sea. Plus, we get another rock star cameo – this time former Beatle Paul McCartney as “Uncle Jack.”

How to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

• Stream Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales on Disney+
• Rent or buy Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales on Amazon
• Buy Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales on Blu-ray on Amazon

For years now, there has been talk of a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean movie that will not involve Johnny Depp as Capt. Jack Sparrow but Academy Award nominee Margot Robbie in a new role. If the project ever does come to fruition, hopefully, they can strike gold just like the original adventures of this franchise did.

Zoe Saldaña has built a career as one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses, starring in some of the biggest and best film franchises like Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Trek. Yet not every blockbuster experience has been positive for the star. Years after working on one of the best movies of the 2000s, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Saldaña has opened up about some BTS aspects of Pirates, like how difficult the production was for her. She recently revealed that, while the experience was challenging, Steven Spielberg later helped reignite her passion for big-budget films.

During a Screen Talk at the BFI London Film Festival, Zoe Saldaña discussed how her first experience with a major blockbuster on the first Pirates film left her disillusioned. She explained that while the cast and crew were fantastic, the leadership from the studio and the producers made the production tumultuous. Reflecting on that time (via Variety), she said:

The Adam Project star’s experience with Pirates was so negative that she nearly lost her passion for working on big-budget projects. In an earlier interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2022, she admitted that she felt "lost in the trenches" during production and didn’t feel supported by the leadership. Years later, producer Jerry Bruckheimer personally apologized to her for the difficulties she faced on set, though the impact of the experience lingered.

Fortunately, her faith in Hollywood was restored when she joined the cast of The Terminal, working alongside Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones under Steven Spielberg's direction. Saldaña continued to reflect:

The Star Trek veteran also recalled the iconic Jaws director's warmth and creativity to the set. Unlike her previous experience, where she felt overwhelmed and disillusioned, working on the romantic comedy The Terminal was a breath of fresh air. She remembered feeling “so good and so safe” throughout the shoot. An element that stood out to her was how the War of the Worlds filmmaker would play music over the loudspeakers between scenes, creating a harmonious atmosphere on set and ensuring that everyone was “synchronized and on the same page.”

It's wonderful that Steven Spielberg's attention to detail and care for the well-being of his cast and crew left a lasting impact on the Colombiana star. All in all, one gets the impression that the atmosphere he created showed her that large-scale productions could be both efficient and enjoyable. Thank goodness for Spielberg reigniting the actress' passion for filmmaking -- a passion that audiences have continued to benefit from.

Zoe Saldaña remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, most recently starring in the 2024 movie schedule release and crime-musical thriller Emilia Pérez, set to hit select theaters on Nov. 1,, before its debut on Netflix’s streaming schedule. Considering the A-lister's more recent work, it's apparent that her past experiences have shaped how she approaches new projects. Her commitment to working with directors and teams who lead with respect and kindness is central to her success, and it continues to guide her as she dominates major franchises.

Fans can catch up on some of Zoe Saldaña’s biggest roles by streaming her performances in the Avatar films and the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- and yes, you can even revisit her appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl -- with a Disney+ subscription. As for her collaboration with the Raiders of the Lost Ark helmer, The Terminal is available with a Netflix subscription.

Johnny Depp has come a long way since one of his greatest roles as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. His first movie since the infamous Depp v. Heard trial was Jeanne Du Barry, where he played the title role, and there are many other future projects ahead of him. But just when we thought Depp was channeling his pirate character when rotting teeth claims were made about him, the bankable actor flashes his pearly whites while in the Bahamas.

All eyes were on Johnny Depp when he attended the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. However, it wasn’t just because people were taken by his performance in Jeanne Du Barry. Closeup photos shocked fans seeing the Edward Scissorhands actor’s visible decay and discoloration in his teeth. Just when it seemed like the Golden Globe winner’s teeth were matching his Pirates of the Caribbean character, an Instagram video can leave you reassured that the actor’s teeth are in perfect condition:

Doesn’t Johnny Depp look so happy displaying those pearly whites? I would be happy too if I took a little trip to the Bahamas as well. We see the Nightmare on Elm Street actor in good spirits with bartender "Killer Ralph" at Lorraine’s Cafe in Exumas, Bahamas. He went behind the counter to help the happy bartender mix one of his house specialties and posed for photos with him. Of course, comments couldn’t stop mentioning how good Depp’s teeth looked in the video. Fans would be right, as they were a normal color and perfectly straight.

When you look back at the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, the character of Jack Sparrow didn’t exactly have sparking ivories of his own. He had plenty of gold teeth in that mouth of his. Then again, pirates prioritized the gold found in treasure chests compared to the ones in their teeth.

If you’re curious if Johnny Depp went all method actor and purposefully ruined his teeth to play Jack Sparrow, the answer is no. The Sweeney Todd actor told Premiere Magazine in 1995 that he’s never had perfect teeth, with his dental journey involving cavities and a root canal. At the same time, he said back then he was proud of the teeth he had and wouldn't wish for perfect ones.

While there’s no clear answer for why Johnny Depp had rotting-looking teeth at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, celebrity dentist Dr. Apa theorized to Page Six that it could be “aggressive” wear and tear accumulated over a lifetime. He also hypothesized the “stainy” teeth could be the result of the Academy Award nominee’s supposed love of espressos and cigarillos. Whatever the reason is, it’s nice to know that Depp’s teeth are now in good-looking condition.

The Cry-Baby actor’s time on Pirates of the Caribbean may be over, but he still has plenty of upcoming projects for us to look forward to. Johnny Depp will be sitting in the director’s chair for Modì, which centers on two days of artist Amedeo Modigliani’s life. The upcoming biopic will have a 2024 movie release in Italy on December 5th. Depp has also been cast as Satan in a biblical comedy opposite Jeff Bridges, The Carnival at the End of Days, with filming set to begin in January. As Depp is such a talented actor, it’s a breath of fresh air to know he’s returning to the big screen.

What a relief that Johnny Depp’s teeth look so healthy compared to the rotting teeth claims after his Cannes Film Festival appearance. Even though Depp’s clean teeth show how he’s furthering himself away from his Jack Sparrow character, you can still see one of his best performances in the Pirates of the Caribbean films with your Disney+ subscription.

Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean films were among some of the best movies of the 2000s, but since 2017’s Dead Men Tell No Tales capped off Johnny Depp’s time as Jack Sparrow, the House of Mouse has yet to sing “Yo ho, yo ho” with any more for the franchise. A Pirates reboot is reportedly in the works right now, and one original actor from the series has proclaimed their love for who they played in the swashbuckling movies.

Naomie Harris played Tia Dalma/Calypso in two of the five Pirates of the Caribbean movies: 2006’s Dead Man’s Chest and 2007’s At World’s End. When the actress was recently asked about her thoughts on reprising her role in a future Pirates movie, she had this to say:

While speaking to ComicBook, Harris shared Calypso is up there when it comes to all the movie and TV characters she has played, and the actress has been in multiple James Bond movies as Eve Moneypenny, Best Picture winner Moonlight and Venom: Let There Be Carnage, to name a few. Naomie Harris would be all in on reprising the role in the future, but she cannot deny the fact that the character very much met her death during the Pirates movies.

As movie fans know, one character’s death hasn’t stopped other filmmakers from reviving an actor’s appearance as a famous role before. In fact, Calypso had a rather intriguing storyline that we thought might be a way for Pirates to continue without Jack Sparrow. Harris played the daughter of the Titan Atlas who actually fell in love with a young Davy Jones, who was a sailor at the time, before he became a fearsome captain. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see how the love story gone wrong panned out?

The producer of the Pirates movies, Jerry Bruckheimer, said earlier this year that a new script for a reboot is being written and shared hopes that the House of Mouse would like what they have cooking up after a year prior, he said he would “love it” if Johnny Depp could return in his iconic Disney role. However, recent rumors were actually pointing to Elvis’ Austin Butler signing on to the next installment. Butler claimed he hadn’t heard from Disney, but often actors are sworn to secrecy with these things.

While we wonder what a return from Naomie Harris to the Pirates movies might look like, the actress has a new movie called The Wasp out in theaters now.

Sally Albright and Harry Burns, Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy, Anna Scott and William Thacker — the best romantic comedies of all time have given the world some of cinema's most beloved pairings. But what about those movies that aren't classic rom-coms? Plenty of sci-fi classics, adventure epics, soaring musicals and heartrending dramas have introduced movie lovers to twosomes worth rooting for. Here are the 32 best movie couples from outside the rom-com genre. 

Han Solo and Princess Leia (Star Wars)

"I love you!" "I know!" And there you have the famous dynamic between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) throughout the entire Star Wars franchise. The good-natured bickering, palpable tension and lasting love through both ups and downs between the rakish captain of the Millennium Falcon and the regal Jedi-turned-general make theirs one of the best couples in any galaxy. 

Joel and Clementine (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind)

Not even a Lacuna memory erasure procedure could make Joel Barish (Jim Carrey, in one of his best performances) and Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) forget each other in the 2004 Michael Gondry-directed classic Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Though both characters initially wanted to dissolve their relationship, getting to relive all of their moments together — both good and bad — made them, and us, want to see their romance rekindled. 

Jackson and Ally (A Star Is Born)

The love story between an established Hollywood star and a plucky aspiring singer has been told across several film versions of A Star Is Born — though the duo is known as Norman and Esther in previous iterations — but Bradley Cooper's Jackson and Lady Gaga's Ally reinvigorated the cinematic romance in the 2018 romantic musical, thanks to their electrifying chemistry and incredible duets. That devastating ending wouldn't hit nearly the same way without them.

Rose and Jack (Titanic)

James Cameron's Titanic does so much as a movie: one part historical drama, one part disaster epic, and one part onscreen romance for the ages. And guiding moviegoers through all of it is the instantly iconic pairing of scrappy third-class artist Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and sheltered high-class debutante Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet). 

Chiron and Kevin (Moonlight)

In the 2016 Oscar winner for Best Picture, we get to see Chiron and Kevin together through three periods of their lives in Miami, from their childhoods to teendom to adulthood. Their sweet connection turns sultry when the pair (now played by Trevante Rhodes and André Holland, respectively) reunites as grown men at a Florida diner, with Barbara Lewis' "Hello Stranger" crooning over the jukebox. 

Rick and Ilsa (Casablanca)

It's ironic that arguably the greatest cinematic romance of all time is actually between exes. Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) may not be together anymore in the 1942 masterpiece Casablanca, as she has since moved on and married Czechoslovak Resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). But they'll wistfully "always have Paris," and we'll always have them. 

Marianne and Héloïse (Portrait Of A Lady On Fire)

This subtle yet stirring 2019 drama from Céline Sciamma tells the story of a slow-burn romance between two young women in late 18th-century France: a young aristocrat named Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) and the painter commissioned to paint her portrait, Marianne (Noémie Merlant). Together, the LGBTQ+ movie couple crafts a connection as singular and stunning as anything found on a canvas. 

Tish and Fonny (If Beale Street Could Talk)

Director Barry Jenkins composes a stunning cast for this film adaptation of James Baldwin's 1974 novel, including Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bryan Tyree Henry and Regina King. But the heart of the story beats with its core couple Tish and Fonny, portrayed by KiKi Layne and Stephan James. The film is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping from highs (the birth of a child) to lows (wrongful incarceration), but the heart-wrenching love between Tish and Fonny threads it all. 

Ennis and Jack (Brokeback Mountain)

One of the best LGBTQ movies of all time, Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain broke hearts the world over with its beautifully rendered romance between Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal), two Wyoming cowboys whose intense but repressed passion stretches across decades. The realities of early-'60s America meant that the men couldn't be publicly open with their relationship, which made their time together both savored and tragic. 

Elizabeth and Will (Pirates Of The Caribbean)

Although Keira Knightley's Elizabeth Swann has several love interests throughout the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, including Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and James Norrington (Jack Davenport), even casual fans know that her one true love is none other than blacksmith-turned-pirate Will Turner (Orlando Bloom). Spanning five Pirates movies, the swashbuckling duo takes on everything from arrests and kidnappings to ghost captains and mysterious curses. 

Neo and Trinity (The Matrix)

To say that love changes the world in The Matrix films is an understatement: it literally is what brings Neo (Keanu Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) back to life and frees them from the confines of simulated reality. A true fusion reaction, the connection that they generate throughout the seminal sci-fi franchise is enough to power them through hardships both human and machine.

Reynolds and Alma (Phantom Thread)

Not every movie romance is a happily-ever-after breeze. For controlling couture designer Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and clumsy but calculating country waitress Alma Elson (Vicky Krieps), things aren't entirely smooth sailing after they meet-cute at the restaurant she works at and marry shortly thereafter, especially because the bride has taken to micro-poisoning her husband to render him sweet and submissive. Her actions are twisted, no doubt, but Reynolds ends up finding it all weirdly endearing, and so do we. 

Rhett And Scarlett (Gone With The Wind) 

One of the most iconic pairings ever on the big screen, Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) and Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) weather a lot throughout this four-hour 1939 Oscar winner, from civil war to typhoid fever to the loss of a child. Ironically, it's their very own natures that they can't outrun, from Rhett's ruthlessness to Scarlett's stubbornness. When the Southern belle finally realizes that she's really loved Rhett all along, it's too late, as he harshly leaves her with one of the movie's best parting lines: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

Clarence and Alabama (True Romance)

In sickness and in health, until arrest do us part — those could basically be the vows of Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) and Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette), a pair of newlyweds on the run from the Mafia after stealing a shipment of drugs. Things get unsurprisingly dark for our brazen bride and groom, but the sheer devotion that the two have for each other is a welcome bright spot. 

Gomez and Morticia (The Addams Family)

Who would have thought that one of pop culture's healthiest onscreen couples would be the exceedingly odd, decidedly macabre Morticia and Gomez Addams? Though incarnated by numerous performers on screens big and small, the portrayals by Anjelica Huston as Morticia and Raul Julia as Gomez in 1991's The Addams Family deliciously embody the characters' endless enthusiasm for each other. Madly in love, indeed!

Jesse and Céline (The 'Before' Trilogy)

It's incredibly rare to follow a beloved movie couple for years — in Richard Linklater's Before Trilogy, you movingly get to follow Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) across decades, from the star-crossed travelers who meet on a Eurail train and later fall for each other while playing tourist in Vienna in 1995's Before Sunrise, to the long-together older versions we find summering in Greece with their children in 2013's Before Midnight. 

Albert and Armand (The Birdcage)

Sure, stereotypes abound in Mike Nichols' 1996 comedy The Birdcage, especially surrounding Armand (Robin Williams, in a classic performance) and Albert Goldman (Nathan Lane), a gay couple whose son (Dan Futterman) is set to marry the daughter (Calista Flockhart) of a very conservative senator (Gene Hackman) and his wife (Dianne Wiest). But in the middle of all of the flamboyant hijinks, Armand and Albert prove to have the film's most stable relationship, one marked by compassion, communication and acceptance. 

Peter and Mary Jane (The 'Spider-Man' Trilogy)

Along with giving moviegoers a rain-soaked, upside-down lip lock we won't soon forget, Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst's take on Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson imbued some palpable real-life chemistry into the beloved comic-book couple. In keeping with Spider-Man tradition, the actors briefly dated offscreen as well, though Dunst joked that filming that epic smooch was far less pleasurable than it looked.

Noah and Allie (The Notebook)

Let's be real, it would take a very special gentleman to have us rooting for anyone other than James Marsden to get the girl. It's good, then, that director Nick Cassavetes cast Ryan Gosling at his dreamiest opposite Rachel McAdams in this 2004 melodrama, widely considered one of the best romantic movies of all time. The actors' off-set connection (they dated IRL from 2005 to 2007) is passionately felt in the characters' constant bickering and bantering, not to mention those intense rainstorm smooches. 

Edward and Bella (Twilight)

Neither age (she's 17-year-old and he's a cool 104) nor species (she's a human and he's a blood-drinking, sparkly-skinned vampire) could keep them apart. No, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) remained astonishingly loyal to and protective of each other throughout the entire Twilight Saga film franchise, despite jealous werewolves, vampire armies and creepy half-vamp babies trying to get in their way (though Stewart hilariously does not agree with her character's infatuation). 

Katniss and Peeta (The Hunger Games)

Surviving tough times is a given in any relationship but few movie couples have been tested by as much hardship as Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). The characters first bond as "tributes" in the government's annual Hunger Games — which require them to fight to the death until only one person is left alive — and despite the odds, they're able to parlay that trust and partnership into the franchise's best romance. (Sorry, Gale.) 

Emma and Adèle (Blue Is The Warmest Colour)

Much has been made about the physical intimacy between Léa Seydoux's Emma and Adèle Exarchopoulos's Adèle in the 2013 French drama Blue is the Warmest Color, but their connection goes far deeper than the film's explicit sex scenes. The feelings between the two young women are so raw and fierce that when they meet again at a restaurant after years of separation, we absolutely believe Emma when she says she will always feel "infinite tenderness" for what they had. 

Ron and Hermione (Harry Potter)

Some of the best romances come out of friendships, and the coupling between Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) is no exception. For years, Harry Potter fans watched as the young wizard and witch danced around their feelings for each other — granted, they were busy fighting the Wizarding World's darkest forces at the time — so when the longtime pals finally locked lips in Deathly Hallows — Part 2, the big moment felt completely earned. 

Jamal and Latika (Slumdog Millionaire)

It's the intense love and loyalty that Jamal (Dev Patel) has for Latika (Freida Pinto), who he first met as a kid in the slums of Mumbai, that fuels his every move in this Danny Boyle-directed musical drama. Whether he's stealing shoes at the Taj Mahal, taking a job as a chaiwala at a call center or winning India's version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Jamal is doing it all to get back to Latika. And when he does, it's only fitting that his whole world breaks out in song and dance. 

Romeo and Juliet (Romeo + Juliet)

They are the O.G. star-crossed lovers and in Baz Luhrmann's 1996 retelling of the Shakespearean classic, Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes beautifully lead the Romeo + Juliet cast as our eponymous pair and capture all of the intensity of first love. Yes, with family feuds, fatal duels and friar mix-ups aplenty, this relationship was doomed to fail, but at least it pulsed with youthful verve and captivating chemistry while it lasted. 

Oliver and Elio (Call Me By Your Name)

Some relationships may be short in span but sweeping in their impact. In Luca Guadagnino's 2017 masterpiece Call Me by Your Name, the romance between 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) and graduate student Oliver (Armie Hammer) — who is assisting Elio's father (Michael Stuhlbarg) for the summer — only lasts a few short, sun-soaked weeks. But the after-effects of their coupling ripple through both young men long after the cold settles in. 

Rick and Evelyn (The Mummy)

One of the best things about the romance between adventurer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) is that it subverts that tired beauty-and-brawn stereotype. Evelyn is obviously lovely but she's no distressed damsel — she's as capable of deciphering hieroglyphics as she is sword-fighting the undead. And Rick is fittingly valiant but needs to be rescued himself every now and then. Together, they make the perfect mummy-fighting pair. 

Tony And Maria (West Side Story) 

Taking inspiration from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, there was always an undercurrent of tragedy between Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood), two Upper West Side teens tied to rival NYC street gangs. The relationship between the young lovers remains pure and passionate — iconically portrayed in that famous "Tonight" balcony scene — even as they get caught up in prejudice, violence and societal divides.

Mia And Sebastian (La La Land)

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have teamed up several times onscreen, including 2011's Crazy, Stupid, Love and 2013's Gangster Squad, but it was 2016's La La Land that best used their fizzy, years-honed friendship and produced their most iconic pairing as struggling jazz pianist Sebastian Wilder and aspiring actress Mia Dolan, who meet and fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. 

Bonnie and Clyde (Bonnie And Clyde)

Just because a couple is doing bad deeds doesn't mean we can't root for them, right? Yes, Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty) and Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) were up to all sorts of criminal mischief in the 1967 neo-noir Bonnie and Clyde, from bank robberies to gang kidnappings, but their actions were powered by a passion so intense, it was deadly. 

Rocky and Adrian (Rocky)

Yo, Adrian! The relationship between Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and Adrian Pennino (Talia Shire) — who first meet over turtle food at a Philadelphia pet store — is one of the connecting threads of the Rocky film franchise. Despite her misgivings about Rocky's dangerous career, Adrian is a supportive, steadfast presence for Rocky both inside the ring and out, so much so that even when he loses, he still feels like a winner. 

Maria and the Captain (The Sound Of Music)

How do you solve a problem like Maria? You fall in love with her, of course! And who could blame Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) for catching feelings for the effervescent governess to his seven children, especially when she's played by the incomparable Julie Andrews? Watching his gruff, widowed military officer soften under Maria's care is, simply, one of our favorite things. 

Hollywood producers don’t generally become household names on par with that of leading actors, but producer Jerry Bruckheimer has managed to accomplish just that. He’s helped bring to life some of the biggest blockbusters of our day, many of which spawned franchises that are still going strong decades later. His latest film, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F just arrived for Netflix subscribers, and given Bruckheimer’s track record, it will come as no surprise that critics are calling it a hit. Earlier this summer, he also continued to revive the Bad Boys franchise with Bad Boys: Ride Or Die, and of course, he earned an Oscar nomination for Top Gun: Maverick last year. One would assume that this trend of successful reboots shows no signs of slowing down, so what’s next? He recently got real regarding the titles fans keep bugging him about, and the way he described one of them came as a surprise.

When I spoke with Jerry Bruckheimer during the Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F press junket, I asked which other franchise people have been pressuring him to revisit. As I should have expected, he didn’t have a singular answer, and ended up dropping three names:

There are not a lot of shockers in this answer. There have been tons of rumors surrounding the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, from Johnny Depp returning as Jack Sparrow to Austin Butler replacing him as lead. At this point, we can’t even get a clear answer as to how many upcoming films are in development, so we’re very much in Pirates limbo. As for Top Gun, it seems like everyone involved is still basking in the spoils from the success of Maverick, so we shouldn’t be in too much of a hurry (though fans were certainly excited this week to see Tom Cruise with Glenn Powell at the Twisters premiere).

The only real surprise to me is that Jerry Bruckheimer implied National Treasure and National Treasure: Book Of Secrets are kid’s movies. I suppose I haven’t paid the first two films much attention since I was a kid myself, so maybe if I gave them a rewatch I would see why they appeal to a younger audience. Maybe this is why the ill-fated Disney+ show, National Treasure: The Edge of History, leaned further in that Hardy Boys-esque direction.

I prodded Bruckheimer to comment on the Nicolas Cage-led franchise, but he was just saying in March that he wants to make the threequel. Much like with Pirates Of The Carribean, however, we can’t get a clear story. While Bruckheimer is teasing Nicolas Cage’s return, the Ben Gates actor himself has said “probably not” regarding his own involvement. Only time will tell, and we will keep you updated.

In the meantime, however, you can see the latest Jerry Bruckheimer production, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F on Netflix right now. Our full interviews from the film are a good indication of how fun it is, and Eric Eisenberg's review of the fourth Beverly Hills Cop movie seconds that notion. As for all other news regarding 2024’s upcoming movie release, keep it right here at CinemaBlend.

Actor Johnny Depp has had a long career as a character actor, but he's perhaps most synonymous with playing lead Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The franchise, which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription, has been out of theaters for a number of years now, although the studio was reportedly developing two different attempts at a reboot. Depp isn’t coming back to Pirates, but rumors claim the new star is about to sign on. And it’s a great choice.

In recent years, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's rocky relationship has in some ways eclipsed his long resume. That's presumably why the House of Mouse is trying to move forward with Pirates of the Caribbean with Margot Robbie, as well as another movie. A new report by Life & Style claims that none other than Austin Butler is being approached to lead anew movie. An anonymous source claimed to know what's going on behind the scenes, and was quoted saying:

There you have it. While both Margot Robbie and Johnny Depp might still appear in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, it sounds like Disney wants to first move forward with a movie starring Austin Butler. And considering just how much star power the 32 year-old actor has right now, he seems like an amazing choice. We'll just have to see if/when this rumor comes to fruition and he actually signs on for the project.

Butler became a household name thanks to his work in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis movie, and has since appeared in a number of other big profile projects like Dune: Part Two and The Bike Riders. The same anonymous insider spoke to Life & Style about

Clearly this new possible Pirates movie with Austin Butler is still very much in development. The actor likely won't sign on to his role without a script, so the writing process better pick up if this rumor is to come to fruition. After all, Butler is probably getting tons of offers right about now.

Only time will tell if/when the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise returns to theaters. For now, check the 2025 movie release dates to plan your trips to the theater next year.

Disney and live-action movies that are not Marvel or Star Wars have had a rocky road over the decades. Before Disney’s general (but not guaranteed) success with live-action remakes of animated classics, Disney's one shining success at the box office was the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. We have been assured that more Pirates movies are coming but very little is known, including, it would seem, by the people who might be in them.

Austin Butler may be in line for a shot starring in a live-action Disney movie very soon. His name has been associated with potentially starring in the Russo Brothers’ live-action Hercules, but his name has also come up as the potential star of a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot. If it’s true that Disney wants him, nobody at the studio has asked him. When ET asked Butler about the rumors, he claimed ignorance, though it turns out he’s a fan of those movies. He said…

While Butler says he hadn’t even heard the rumors, it sounds like if they are true, he might seriously entertain the project, as he’s a bit of a fan of the franchise. He tells ET he even included Pirates of the Caribbean in a school project about his favorite things when he was a kid. You have to imagine if Disney does come to him with a Pirates movie, he’d want to do it.

As a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and a fan of Austin Butler, this sounds good to me. I don’t know why somebody who can convincingly play Elvis feels like they could obviously play a pirate, but it seems to work out in my head. Disney could do a lot worse.

Of course, the new Pirates of the Caribbean project, while we are continually told it is happening, the wheels seem to be moving slowly. The movie will be a complete franchise reboot, which means nobody from the previous movies is expected to appear. But that’s also the problem. 

Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow became such an iconic character that Disney seems to be having trouble figuring out how to move forward without him. Even Butler admits that he’s not sure he would want to try because he loved Depp’s performance so much. He continued… 

One way or another it seems clear that we will get at least one new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, and possibly more, as a pitch for a Pirates film with Margot Robbie, while not the current priority, isn’t entirely dead. Whether Butler is at the top of Disney’s list or not, if there is a discussion of casting going on, then the next film may finally get close to becoming real. My eyes will certainly be on D23 this year.

Johnny Depp has had a long and wildly successful career as a character actor, including a number of beloved titles. Chief among them is Pirates of the Caribbean, where he starred in all five Pirates movies. There are a few future movies in development right now, but it doesn't seem like the Edward Scissorhands actor is going to be included. And producer Jerry Bruckheimer offered hope about Johnny Depp returning as Jack Sparrow. 

Ever since Depp's defamation verdict was revealed, the actor has been laying low and staying out of the Hollywood lifestyle. It was revealed that Disney was moving on with Pirates without the actor, which got a strong reaction from fans, although fans have petitioned to see Depp return as Jack Sparrow. When speaking with ET, Bruckheimer seemed to offer hope for fans who want to see the Finding Neverland actor back as everyone's favorite drunken pirate. In his words: 

There you have it. It sounds like Jerry Bruckheimer has nothing but positive things to say about Johnny Depp, despite any personal issues that he's had over the years. Indeed, he's mostly become synonymous with his relationship with Amber Heard in recent years. But we'll have to see if Disney decides to bring back Jack Sparrow, or if the studio continues to distance itself from the 60 year-old actor.

Despite there being two Pirates movies being developed, it's hard to imagine the franchise (which is streaming with a Disney+ subscription) without protagonist Jack Sparrow. So the pressure will be on if/when those two movies finally make its way to theaters. 

While Bruckheimer likes Johnny Depp as a person and as a collaborator, it's unclear if/when the actor might return to mainstream Hollywood projects. After the defamation trial ended, he has been living in Europe and getting some much-needed privacy. He's been dipping his toe back into the professional world, but not with any major film studios like Disney.

Instead, he's been working on unique projects. His first post-trial movie Jeanne du Barry is a french film that's only recently gotten released in the states. He's also gotten behind the camera, directing an upcoming movie whose cast includes greats like Robert de Niro. Still, his fans are hoping to see him back in some mainstream Hollywood projects, such as a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

It's currently unclear if/when the two developing Pirates movies will actually arrive in theaters. Hopefully we get more information sooner rather than later. In the meantime, check the 2024 movie release dates. 

Actress Sydney Sweeney's starpower has been steadily growing for years, and she's proven herself as a bankable film star. Despite one producer recently saying Sweeney couldn't act, she's got a ton of fans who will go to theaters to see her work. I have no idea why Sydney Sweeney dressed up as a chic pirate, but now I need to see her in a Pirates Of The Caribbean movie.

Sweeney became a household name thanks to her work on Euphoria (which is streaming with a Max subscription), and has since taken on a number of major film roles like Immaculate and Anyone But You. She recently posted on Instagram showing a boat day where went full on pirate, and now I suddenly want to see her join the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Check out the series of images below:

While most of us would look silly in this getup, but Sweeney totally rocks the pirate look while having her own day on the seas. And since Disney is developing multiple Pirates of the Caribbean projects, it seems perfectly plausible that this casting could happen. Are you watching, Disney?

The Madame Web actress shared this post to her whopping 19.6 million followers on Instagram. And she's not the only one dressed up like a crew member on the Black Pearl, as it looks like she was joined by a boatload of friends... literally. We'll just have to see if this post goes viral an inspired fan art of Sweeney in the family-friendly adventure franchise (which can be streamed with a Disney+ subscription). 

Given just how popular she is, it seems like a no-brainer for studios to try and get her in a major franchise role. And Pirates would be a great choice. While she recently played Spider-Woman, Madame Web bombed at the box office and there's no guarantee we'll see her in that role again. Although given her athleticism and natural charisma I'd love to see her Sweeney back as Spider-Woman... playing a swashbuckling pirate would also be great. 

Moviegoers have been patiently waiting information from Disney about the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, especially since there were reportedly two different projects in development. One Pirates movie was going to star Margot Robbie, but there hasn't been any real news on that front for quite some time. And there are some fans who still want Johnny Depp to return as Jack Sparrow.

If not a Pirates of the Caribbean movie, it should be fun to see where Sydney Sweeney's thriving career takes her next. She and Glen Powell have talked about an Anything But You sequel, while others are waiting for her to return to TV. Unfortunately, Euphoria Season 3 was delayed, so it's unclear if/when we'll see the return of Cassie. 

Sydney Sweeney is currently attached to two upcoming thrillers. In the meantime, check out the 2024 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

Nostalgia has been a powerful force in the entertainment industry for years, with a number of beloved properties returning to theaters via reboots and/or sequels. One popular IP that folks have been talking about is Pirates of the Caribbean, as two different projects were in development for that franchise. Fans have not-so-patiently been waiting for more information, while some fans have campaigned for Johnny Depp to return as Jack Sparrow. After those rumors, producer Jerry Bruckheimer got honest about the franchise's future.

Bruckheimer had his hand in the original Pirates films, which are available to stream with a Disney+ subscription. Fans have not-so-patiently waiting for information about the future movies, to no avail. While Bruckheimer previously expressed interest in a Depp reunion, his most recent comments to ComicBook tell another story. In his words:

Well, there you have it. Despite Depp's years playing Captain Jack Sparrow, it seems like Disney is committed to retuning to Pirates of the Caribbean with new talent in front of the camera. But only time will tell exactly which actors get to occupy this beloved world when it finally returns to theaters.

Given his comments, perhaps Johnny Depp fans should give up hope that the next Pirates movie would include his signature role. But it's definitely hard to imagine the franchise without its star, so the pressure is on for whoever steps into his shoes. 

The new actors that Jerry Bruckheimer referenced are a mystery for the time being, with one big exception. Margot Robbie was attached to star in one of the two developing Pirates of the Caribbean movies, although it seems like the development process might have hit a snag. There's been no updates from the House of Mouse, and Robbie's schedule is presumably quite busy. So perhaps booking a new star won't be as easy as Bruckheimer let on.

The news that Depp's Jack Sparrow wasn't returning to the Pirates of the Caribbean came following his explosive defamation trial opposite ex Amber Heard. While he was largely the victor in court, he hasn't signed on to any major Hollywood projects since. And it's unclear if Disney would be interested in continuing their former working relationship with the 60 year-old actor.

Right now it's a mystery as to exactly when the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise will make its return to theaters. In the meantime, check out the 2024 movie release dates. 

Not everyone wants to root for the squeaky-clean hero. People like flaws and misguided motivations. There are villains we love to hate, like Hans Gruber and Regina George, and there are antiheroes we hate to love. This is our list of all those flawed characters that we cheer for. 

Mad Max (Mad Max Franchise)

No one could have predicted that a small-budget Australian movie like The Road Warrior would launch a franchise, but it has. Mel Gibson's Mad Max, a former cop turned vigilante in a post-apocalyptic world. Max is violent and ruthless, but he's driven by grief, so we love him for it. 

Jack Sparrow (Pirates Of The Caribbean)

There aren't a lot of chances in life to root for a pirate, but there aren't a lot of pirates quite like Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. He cheats, lies, and steals and we love him for it. He's one of the greatest antiheroes of all time. 

Catwoman (Batman)

Though Catwoman may have started as a villain in the Batman comics, in most of her appearances in movies, she's been a clear antiheroine. She's been portrayed on the big screen most recently by Zoë Kravitz in The Batman, and in the past by Anne Hathaway, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Halle Berry, and each time, she walks that line between enemy and friend to Batman. 

Patrick Bateman (American Psycho)

One of the worst characters on this list has to be Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) from American Psycho. The title tells the whole story, right? Yet somehow, he's one of the most quotable characters in film history, Whether it's about how Huey Lewis is great or getting reservations at Dorsia we love to quote the serial killer and that means we are rooting for him, in a way. 

Arthur Fleck (The Joker)

Everyone knows where the Joker ends up, as the Clown Prince of Crime and one of the worst villains in Gotham. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) in The joker is easy to root for, at least at first. He's a guy that just can't catch a break and he's pushed to his limit, so we can all empathize with his plight, even when it leads to crime. We just don't take it as far as Fleck does, hopefully. 

Han Solo (Star Wars)

You might be surprised to see Han Solo (Harrison Ford) on this list, but you have to remember, before he became a hero, he was a bad boy smuggler; the one who shot first in his meeting with Greedo; just a stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder who few people trusted. He didn't want to get involved in the fight for freedom and fought joining the rebellion for years.  

Vito Corleone

Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) in The Godfather rose from the most modest of circumstances in Sicily to the height of power in New York City. Unfortunately, he made that rise through brutality and murder. Still, he's loyal and honest to his family and his organization, and he's just...well... cool. Plus he loves cats. 

Snake Plissken (Escape From New York)

Snake Plissken is maybe the coolest guy on this list. Sure, he's a heartless criminal who only looks out for himself, but can you blame him? Look at the mess of a world he's living in. He's who everyone would want to be if they were stuck in a bombed-out shell that was once New York City. 

Deadpool (Deadpool)

The Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool, is a now-legendary antihero from Marvel. He's foul-mouthed and murderous. Everything most Marvel heroes eschew, Deadpool embraces and we love him for it. Somehow, despite being everything a hero isn't supposed to be, makes him a better hero than many. He's just a bad guy who gets paid to mess up worse guys. 

Jules Winnfield (Pulp Fiction)

In Pulp Fiction, Samuel L. Jackson's Jules Winnfield is trying to walk a different path. He's had enough of being a hitman, and we should admire him for it, but let's be honest, it's his coolness in being a hitman that makes us love him. The bible-quoting, swearing, no-nonsense criminal is just fun to root for, despite all the murdering. 

Lisbeth Salander (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo)

No one can ever question the motivations of Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara) in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The abuse she suffered would not be wished on anyone's worst enemies. What it turns her into is something terrifying, and yet endearing, making her the ultimate antiheroine. 

John Wick (John Wick)

Yes, John Wick is avenging the murder of a dog when he is sucked back into his old life, and that is something we can all stand behind, but let's not forget he is a cold-blooded assassin. He lives and operates in a terrifying underworld that is not making the world a better place. So while his immediate actions might be somewhat justified, he's no hero. 

R.P. McMurphy (One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest)

Randle Patrick McMurphy is one of the greatest antiheroes of modern literature and cinema. Played brilliantly by Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest RP McMurphy is the best kind of troublemaker. A career criminal trying to take down the real bad guys, "the system", or in this specific case, Nurse Ratched and the institution he finds himself in. 

Léon (Léon: The Professional)

Jean Reno's performance as the protagonist in Léon: The Professional is phenomenal. His dedication to Mathilda (Natalie Portman) is heartfelt and honest and that's what endears him to audiences. The hitman with a heart of gold, so to speak. 

Veronica (Heathers)

One of the darkest (and best) comedies of the 1980s was Heathers and at its heart is Veronica (Winona Ryder), who becomes part of a murderous duo with her boyfriend J.D. (Christian Slater). It plays for laughs, sure, and every teenager can relate, but, yikes, she's terrible! 

Alex DeLarge (A Clockwork Orange)

There may be no worse person on this list than Alex DeLarge in A Clockwork Orange. His penchant for "ultra-violence" is beyond disturbing, but she sure does have style! The white suit and black bowler hat is an iconic look so that alone makes him cool enough to root for. It's really what happens to him at the hands of the doctors to cure him that gets us rooting for him though, as messed up as that is. 

Wolverine (X-Men)

Comic books, and the movies based on them, are filled with great antiheroes, and Wolverine is among the very best. Hugh Jackman's version of Wolverine in all of the various X-Men movies makes us love the character even more. 

Tyler Durden

Tyler Durden in Fight Club has almost become an actual hero to many these days, but it shouldn't be. Sure, he shows the Narrator (Edward Norton) a different way to live, with more confidence and moxie, but he's a terrible role model, ultimately. Brad Pitt plays the role with so much charisma though, he's hard not to love.  

Harley Quinn (Suicide Squad)

Harley Quinn, played brilliantly by Margot Robbie in various DC films, including Suicide Squad among others, is one of the most likable antiheroines on this list. She's as violent as a character can be, but she sure does it with style! 

Severus Snape (Harry Potter)

Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) in the Harry Potter franchise walks the line between antihero and hero more than anyone on this list. His motivations seem to be to get back at Harry for his unrequited love for Harry's mother, but he ultimately proves his loyalty several times in Harry's fight with Voldemort. 

Michael Corleone (The Godfather Saga)

While Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) may claim that that he's trying to go legit, his actions at every turn throughout the The Godfather series say otherwise. Pretty much everything he says is immediately discarded in favor of his lust for power. He turns on almost everyone around him, yet somehow audiences always see the more human side of him and root for him. 

Beatrix Kiddo (Kill Bill)

Leave it to Quentin Tarantino to create one of the most stylish antiheroines in film history. Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman) is dead-set on revenge for past actions against her, and boy oh boy does she get it. Don't get in her way.

Loki (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Loki causes more grief and mischief than almost any other character in the MCU, save for Thanos. Still, Tom Hiddleston's various performances are among the best in the franchise, and how can you not love him, even when he's at his worst? Truly one of the best villains in film history.  

Gordon Gekko (Wall Street)

It's unlikely that Wall Street Director Oliver Stone meant for Gordon Gekko to become a cultural hero of any kind, but Michael Douglas' Oscar-winning performance has turned him into a very popular antihero. While the character represents everything that is wrong with Wall Street in the 1980s and even today, Douglas is so good, you walk away liking the character, instead of despising him. 

Tony Montana (Scarface)

There is nothing we should like about Tony Montana (Al Pacino) in Scarface. Sure, he got rich after getting thrown out of Cuba and landing in Miami with nothing, but how he got there is just awful. He's mean and nasty to everyone he comes in contact with, even his closest friends. Somehow still, audiences love him and his little friend. 

Bodhi (Point Break)

Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) is a bank-robbing criminal with little regard for anyone but himself and his desires. He's also a surfer and skydiver who is searching for "100% pure adrenaline). It's that second part that audiences fall in love with. He's a guy searching for the ultimate natural high, no matter what it takes. 

The Punisher (Marvel)

There may be no greater example of a pure antihero than The Punisher. Former cop Frank Castle has understandable motives, avenging the murder of his family, but his means are brutal. The character has been played by Thomas Jane, Ray Stevenson, and Dolph Lundgren on the big screen, and more recently by Jon Bernthal in the MCU, but the story is always the same and it's always violent, yet relatable, in a weird way.  

William Foster (Falling Down)

Michael Douglas' character in Falling Down is a man on the edge when the film begins. Soon, he's in a rage, followed by a violent rampage against everything that irks him. It's an irrational response to common feelings all humans deal with. It makes the character relatable, but not righteous. 

Conan (Conan the Barbarian)

Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in Conan the Barbarian is another antihero who is driven by his desire to avenge his family's murder. To do so, he is ruthless and violent. His methods are everything we should hate, but we understand what has driven him to this point. 

Harry Callahan (Dirty Harry)

Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) isn't a dirty cop, in that he's not taking bribes and treating the innocent badly. He's not a good cop either and his means to the end are terrifying. He's a one-man judge, jury, and executioner throughout the entire Dirty Harry series, but he's got some amazing lines, so we love him. 

Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood)

Daniel Day-Lewis can make almost any character he plays likable, no matter how awful they are. Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood is the perfect example of this, as he is mean, greedy, and vengeful. Still, the performance is so amazing, and his love for his son is genuine, so we excuse it, to a point. 

Hannibal Lector (The Silence Of The Lambs)

Anthony Hopkins performance as Hannibal Lector in The Silence Of The Lambs is one of the most chilling and scariest in film history. The serial killer-turned-FBI-consultant is awful in every way except for his treatment of Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster). It's exactly why we're rooting for him at the end of the movie to get his revenge on Dr. Chilton (Anthony Heald). 

Antiheroes have been a part of storytelling forever and though we know we're supposed to hate them, this list shows why we can't help but love them. 

Pirates of the Caribbean is one of the most iconic theme park attractions ever created. After more than 50 years, the ride has created memories for millions, but the ride has also been the source of controversy, as it has undergone numerous changes over the last five decades. The most recent significant change was an emotional moment for one Walt Disney Imagineer, not because of what was being taken away, but what was being added.

The first episode of the new season of Behind the Attraction on Disney+ is all about Pirates of the Caribbean, and Jeanette Lomboy, the Walt Disney Imagineering Vice President, is featured frequently, as she says that Pirates was her favorite ride during those classic childhood trips to Disneyland. I spoke to Lomboy about the ride and the Disney+ series, and she told me that the show reminded her what an emotional experience it was to add the female pirate Redd to the ride because she knew what it would mean to all the kids going through the attraction as she once did. Lomboy said…

The decision to transform the “wench auction” in Pirates of the Caribbean was met with your expected level of outrage whenever something that is fondly remembered from childhood gets changed, which is to say, far more than is justifiable. A lot of people had problems with the decision to change the redheaded woman being sold to pirates into a pirate herself. Redd is even a character who walks around the park at Disneyland and can occasionally be seen in New Orleans Square.

While many hate to see their favorite attractions change (just ask Splash Mountain fans right now), the history of Pirates of the Caribbean is a history of change. From the shift away from pirates chasing after women to the addition of Captain Jack Sparrow to the attraction, the core experience has always remained the same, but the details have continued to change.

Jeanette Lomboy certainly had seen that original version of the attraction countless times herself, but she doesn't believe anything in Disney Parks is untouchable. For her, it was about having a hand in the attraction that meant so much to her. 

She made a change and focused on how that change would impact the generations of people who would grow up with this version of the ride, and what it would mean to all of them. Pirates of the Caribbean certainly played its part in Lomboy becoming an Imagineer, and it will likely continue to do that for generations to come. 

Character actor Johnny Depp has had a long career in film, with a number of truly iconic projects on his long resume. Recently he’s made countless headlines related to his legal battle with Amber Heard, despite the defamation verdict being announced a year ago. While both actors have been attempting to move on professionally, actor Brian Cox threw shade at Depp while explaining why he passed on Pirates of the Caribbean.

Brian Cox is known for voicing his opinion, sometimes jabbing other actors in the process. He critiqued Johnny Depp in his book, and that trend has continued with a new interview. While speaking with The Guardian about his long career, Cox reflected about some major roles he passed on. In addition to being given the chance to play Robert Baratheon in Season 1 of Game of Thrones, he also could have portrayed Jonathan Pryce’s role Governor Weatherby Swann in the Pirates movies. But he seemingly turned it down thanks to the character itself, as well as his opinion on Depp. As the Succession actor put it,

Well, that was honest. Clearly Brian Cox isn’t impressed with Johnny Depp’s talent as an actor, despite how successful many of his movies have been. Specifically he took aim at Depp’s role as Edward Scissorhands, saying that the make-up and costumes did most of the work. 

Cox’s comments definitely show how unimpressed he is with what Depp brings to the screen, particularly in quirky roles like Edward Scissorhands. And it’s partly for this reason that he turned down a supporting role in Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. Although considering how long Disney’s franchise ran in theaters perhaps this worked out for the best.

As previously mentioned, the role of Wetherby Swann would end up going to Jonathan Pryce (who also had a stint on Game of Thrones). He’d end up playing that role for three different Pirates of the Caribbean movies, in addition to one video game. As for Johnny Depp, he played Captain Jack Sparrow for all five movies. Although there are talks about Disney moving forward with a new Pirates project without Depp. In response, some fans have started a petition to have him return as Jack Sparrow.

The Pirates franchise is streaming now with a Disney+ subscription, while Brian Cox recently celebrated the acclaimed final season of Succession. Be sure to check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience.

Actor Johnny Depp, the seasoned character performer with a career spanning decades and numerous projects, was recently in the spotlight for reasons other than his acting prowess. In the past few years, his tumultuous relationship with Amber Heard and their high-profile defamation case have dominated headlines. Now at the age of 60, The Pirates of the Caribbean star's career is in a phase of recovery, marked by the recent premiere of his first post-trial movie. However, what's been capturing some fans' attention isn't his comeback but rather a peculiar question: Did he intentionally alter his teeth to embody the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow? We are going to dive into the true story behind the transformation of his dental aesthetics.

Why Fans Are Asking About Johnny Depp’s Teeth

The return of actor Johnny Depp to the public eye during the 76th Cannes Film Festival was a moment of celebration for his dedicated fan base. However, the excitement took an unexpected turn when close-up red carpet photos exposed a startling revelation: the Edward Scissorhands performer's teeth displayed discoloration and possible decay. This raised questions about whether he had intentionally damaged his smile for a role or if there was another explanation behind the changes.

What Happened When He Played Captain Jack Sparrow

The Captain Jack Sparrow performer's character is known for his disheveled appearance, including his distinctive dental imperfections, but the actor didn’t ruin his teeth intentionally. However, the Blow star had previously boasted about his imperfect teeth well before he even landed the role of the beloved pirate. He had a unique perspective on his gnashers, as he once told Premiere Magazine (via The Johnny Depp Zone Interview Archive) in 1995 that:

So, what caused the noticeable changes in Depp's teeth? The answer may be due in part to the extensive makeup and dental work required to bring Captain Jack Sparrow to life.

Depp's Stand Against Disney Executives

To portray the rum-loving swashbuckler, Depp drew inspiration from rock star aesthetics, notably Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, a friend since the mid-1980s. Before filming, the 21 Jump Street veteran surprised producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney executives with his plan look for the character. In a 2003 LA Times interview, he revealed his decision to enhance Captain Jack Sparrow's persona further by capping all his front teeth was met with hesitation. As a concession, he decided to remove a few of the caps. However, he defended his choices with confidence, stating:

Disney initially had reservations about Depp's portrayal, but they ultimately trusted him, leading to the franchise's success. His unwavering commitment to his craft paid off, with the series enjoying longevity, even celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. While the Rango voice performer's dedication to authenticity and embracing imperfections undoubtedly influenced his dental changes, it also brought a level of realism. While reboot and spinoff rumors circulate, imagining the franchise without Captain Jack is hard.

Fans worldwide have passionately advocated for his return to Pirates, despite Disney's unclear stance, though Bruckheimer hinted at the possibility.

Catch all five Pirates of the Caribbean films with a Disney+ subscription and explore our 2023 movie schedule to plan your next trip to the cinema. 

Walt Disney World has seen its fair share of dramatic events over the years. From arrests on park grounds to fires on popular rides, the theme park can be the most magical place on Earth, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the safest. Now, a viral TikTok is showing the unknown dangers of a park pastime that many of us might not think twice about. And after watching the clip, I’m never going to look at the water on the Pirates of the Caribbean-themed ride the same way again. 

A recent clip from TikTok user @nostalgiamountain has gone viral on the platform for detailing all the reasons why Disney World guests should not be drinking or touching the water while enjoying the park’s attractions. The video shows footage of guests drinking and dipping their hands into the water on rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, and Splash Mountain (prior to its closure), while the narrator details the various dangerous consequences that can result. Take a look at the jaw-dropping clip here: 

The TikTok explains that while WDW treats it water in order to keep it as sanitary as possible, there are several ways it can become contaminated anyway. One such danger: a brain-eating amoeba that has been found in nearby lakes. According to the video, this life-threatening organism is speculated to be the reason Disney’s River Country was abandoned in the early 2000s. 

Another reason is that there are metal components underneath Disney World’s watery attractions, and that metal could rust over time. The TikTok video warns that if you submerge your hand in rusty water, it could lead to a tetanus infection. And to make matters worse, guests have scattered their loved ones’ ashes in the water at various attractions. 

The viral clip has left many users disturbed and, while it may be stretching the truth just a bit, most of its claims hold at least some water. According to FOX35 Orlando, a young boy did tragically die from a brain-eating amoeba earlier this year after swimming in fresh water near Walt Disney World Resort. And while it isn’t confirmed that the theme park shut down River Country for safety reasons, it does appear to be true that in 1980, a child died from a brain-eating organism after visiting the attraction (via Yesterland). 

The warning about contracting tetanus from Disney World water rides is a little more far-fetched, since there is no documented case of this occurring. Also, tetanus comes from a bacterial that is usually found in soil, feces, and flood water -- but rarely in the kind of water we encounter in our everyday lives (via Harvard Health). 

That still doesn’t mean you’d want to risk touching it, though, as News18 reports that there is a long-standing tradition of Disney guests scattering ashes in various places across the park. And that includes the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. While the park does shut down those rides and clean the water as best as it can, it’s safe to say that a lot of people wouldn’t want to risk coming into contact with human remains on their Disney vacation. 

One area that the TikTok does not cover is the fact that consuming large amounts of Disney park water can make you sick to your stomach. That’s because the water is heavily treated with bromine and, according to the CDC, swallowing anything that contains bromine can lead to nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal ailments. 

Since there are so many incredible Disney World attractions to enjoy, the last thing most of us would want to do is spoil a trip there with a stomach ache or life-threatening illness. So it sounds like it’s best to heed this TikTok’s warning and keep our hands, feet and water bottles inside Disney’s water rides at all times. 

So you finished One Piece, and you need more shows like it to fill that One Piece-sized hole in your heart now – I got you. 

The live-action One Piece has finally arrived on Netflix after years of waiting. While we didn't know how Netflix was somehow going to adapt the beloved anime originally, the series finally premiered on August 31, 2023. After fans anxiously (and some confidently) waited for the new One Piece series to drop, Netflix delivered the show to viewers.

Featuring killer fight scenes almost reminiscent of Henry Cavill in The Witcher and a story unlike any other manga out there, the One Piece live-action series was a great adaptation. In my mind, it is undoubtedly going to receive a Season 2 considering how popular it has become on both social media and on the platform. 

Unfortunately, there are only eight episodes of One Piece, and if you're like me, you binged them quickly. So now, you're wondering where to go and what to watch next. Well, look no further, because we have eight shows on here that you might want to check out if you're looking for something after One Piece. 

Treasure Island (2012)

This miniseries, featuring Elijah Wood, Toby Regbo, Donald Sutherland, and more, is one of the best adaptations of Treasure Island. The two-part miniseries is based on the novel of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. It follows a young Jim Hawkins as he discovers a map that leads to a legendary island owned by Captain Flint, and he decides to make it his mission to find it. 

One Piece's central premise is the same. Monkey D. Luffy wants to be King of the Pirates, and he takes it upon himself to find the legendary One Piece, a treasure unlike any other. Treasure Island is a little more of your typical pirate-treasure story, between good pirates and evil pirates, but if you like the premise of One Piece, this is a quick and easy miniseries that can be watched in an afternoon.

Stream Treasure Island on Pluto TV.

Shadow And Bone (2021 - Present)

Next up on this list is Shadow and Bone, another Netflix adaptation, this time based on the book series of the same name by Leigh Bardugo. The series mainly follows Alina Skarkov, a young woman who discovers she has game-changing powers that can save their world.

While the pirate element isn't as intense in Shadow and Bone – as the series is mainly focused on fantasy and wizard-like powers – I will say that if you enjoy the worldbuilding of One Piece, you'll love this series. There's so much attention to detail, from the sets to the costumes, the spells, the language, and so much more. There's always something new to discover. There were several improvements in Season 2 – and hopefully, if there's a Season 3, it'll only continue to grow to be great. 

Stream Shadow and Bone on Netflix.

Treasure Planet (2002)

I know, I already put an adaptation of Treasure Island on here, but I need to add Treasure Planet, too. This underrated Disney film from the early 2000s follows Jim Hawkins. When he receives a map from a dying pirate, he takes it upon himself to travel into outer space to find Treasure Planet, where this supposed treasure that could potentially change his life forever is.

The movie has the same premise as the first Treasure Island on this list and One Piece, but the take of it happening literally in outer space makes it much more enjoyable. Not only that, but this is one of Joseph-Gordon Levitt's best movies, hands down. He voices Jim Hawkins so well, and he's the perfect person to follow on this action-packed quest.

Stream Treasure Planet on Disney+.
Rent/Buy Treasure Planet on Amazon.

Demon Slayer (2019 - Present)

You knew there would be anime on this list; don't lie. Demon Slayer mainly follows Tanjiro. He trains to become a Demon Slayer in order to take down Muzan, the Demon King, so he can save his little sister – who was turned into a demon the night his whole family was killed. 

Demon Slayer is a part of the shonen genre of anime, the same genre that One Piece is, which follows main characters usually on a long journey in a world that is overtaken by supernatural powers. Tanjiro is arguably one of the most likable anime protagonists ever, and he could compete with Luffy for that title. Season 3 of Demon Slayer has only made the show better, so you have to check it out.

Stream Demon Slayer on Crunchyroll.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean Films (2003 - 2017)

In Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies, we mainly follow Captain Jack Sparrow, an eccentric pirate and captain of The Black Pearl, on the crazy adventures he goes on while sailing the seas, facing dangerous enemies that turn his life upside down.

If One Piece didn't have a live-action adaptation, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise would be the closest thing to it. They are quite different in many ways, but both feature memorable characters (one of Johnny Depp's best roles is Captain Jack Sparrow) and intense worldbuilding in a pirate setting. There are also some magical moments – nothing as crazy as One Piece, but they are there. 

Stream the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Disney+.
Rent/Buy the Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Amazon.

Our Flag Means Death (2022 - Present)

Max has some incredible original shows, and Our Flag Means Death ranks among the top. This series, loosely based on the life of Stede Bonnet, follows the story of a man who leaves his entire life behind to become a pirate, captain a ship of his own, and fall into hilarious life-threatening situations that he and his crew somehow have to survive. 

This series is so out there and crazy, but it's incredibly fun at the same time. Not only is it an excellent series for LGBTQ+ representation, but it almost feels like an homage to the tall tales of being a pirate, delivering it hysterically. If you love the comedy of One Piece, you'll likely love Our Flag Means Death. 

Stream Our Flag Means Death on Max. 

Black Clover (2017 - 2021)

The second anime on this list is Black Clover. This anime, which ran for four seasons, mainly follows Asta, a young boy who was born powerless in a world of influential people, with one goal in mind – to become the Wizard King, something he looks to do when he receives a grimoire and joins the Black Bulls. 

Asta and Luffy's primary goals are very similar – Luffy wants to be King of the Pirates, and Asta intends to be the Wizard King, with both not having much experience beforehand. However, the determination they show is unlike any other anime character out there. And, of course, Black Clover also features plenty of magic, making it a spectacle for the eye. There's even a movie of it on Netflix now. 

Stream Black Clover on Crunchyroll.

One Piece Anime (1999 - Present)

Oh, you knew I was going to put this on here. The One Piece anime, which has been running since the late 1990s, follows the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates as they look to accomplish their dreams on the sea, with Luffy striving to become King of the Pirates. 

Yes, I am serious when I say this show has been ongoing since the late 1990s. It has 1000+ episodes. It's going to take a long time for you to catch up. But I think it's time well spent. Will you be able to leave your couch for a year? Probably not, but at least you'll be all caught up in Luffy's current adventures. It's one of the best anime to start on if you're up for the long haul. 

Stream One Piece on Crunchyroll.

While I'm sure it will be a while before we see a possible One Piece Season 2, you can check out plenty of shows to fill that void. Now, if you don't mind me, I will be re-watching Netflix's One Piece again. 

For years now it’s been clear that Disney was interested in doing more with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. But what was far less clear was what might happen with it. At one point there were at least two Pirates of the Caribbean movies in active development. Eventually, the studio decided to move forward with an idea from original Pirates trilogy co-writer Ted Elliot and The Last of Us’ scribe Craig Mazin, who says he didn’t think Disney would like their idea because it was so “weird.” And yet, apparently weird is what we’re going to get. 

Speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Craig Mazin doesn’t reveal any details about the plan for a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, but he does confirm the big news that there is one. A script for the movie, at least a draft of one, was completed prior to the strike, based on an idea that Mazin himself thought nobody would accept. He explained… 

As a fan of franchises that are willing to take risks, the description of Prates 6 as “weird” is enough to give me at least some hope that the new movie could be great. I absolutely adore Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, I think I got it on CinemaBlend’s list of the 100 best movies of the 2000s through sheer force of my own will. Having said that, I don’t love any of the sequels nearly as much. 

One of the reasons for that is that I feel like the sequels played it too safe, and it certainly doesn’t sound like that is what is happening here. Mazin himself thinks the script is great, and he’s a pretty good writer, so I feel like that’s a solid endorsement.

Of course, there are still a lot of questions about Pirates of the Caribbean 6. All signs have previously been that Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow will not appear, but franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer has made it clear he wants to see Depp back. If the new Pirates movie doesn’t include Sparrow, is this a complete franchise reboot? Will it star other characters we know, or be something in the same universe as the previous films, but otherwise entirely fresh?

Whatever it was about this idea that appealed to Disney, they seemingly liked it more than an idea from Margot Robbie that would have seen her lead a new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. That project, while reportedly not entirely dead, is at least on the back burner while attention is given to this other idea. 

Of course, right now, nothing is happening with the movie. If the script needs more work, no writers can work on it due to the strike. Even if the movie was ready to go into production, there are currently no actors available to be in it due to their own strike. 

Fantasy franchises have indeed taken over the world and have been for decades now. They offer great stories, but there is always room for improvement with any franchise. So today, we will talk about the best and worst things from some of the best fantasy movies and TV shows, starting off with a classic. 

Harry Potter (2001 - 2011)

The Harry Potter saga comprises seven books and eight films, chronicling Harry's survival of a lethal curse and his escapades at Hogwarts School. 

Best Thing: It's Incredible Trio: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint embody Harry, Hermione, and Ron immaculately, something often seen in successful franchise adaptations. They captivated a generation with their chemistry and made the films that much better.

Worst Thing: So Many Things Left Out From The Books: However, the films fail to capture various book aspects, like neglecting Teddy's character entirely, disregarding S.P.E.W., and omitting Peeves, among other substantial characters. Despite their achievement as highly acclaimed fantasy works, these movies leave out important book content.

The Lord Of The Rings (2001 - 2003)

The Lord of the Rings movies follow Frodo Baggins' journey to destroy the One Ring, forged by Dark Lord Sauron, averting his domination of Middle-earth.

Best Thing: The Story Itself: The Lord of the Rings offers an unrivaled fantasy story. The films garnered numerous awards, including Oscars, especially for visual effects, and the tale is remarkably captivating and character-centric.

Worst Thing: It's Less Than Compelling Female Characters: Although The Rings of Power has attempted to progress in this aspect, the franchise still lacks engaging female characters. Often relegated to plot advancing, these characters need more depth, humor, and agency. Galadriel stands as the lone exception, but her portrayal falls short of her important role. 

The Witcher (2019 - Present)

The Witcher, Netflix's binge-worthy series, stars Henry Cavill as Geralt, a Witcher who finds himself on a mission to protect Princess Ciri after he becomes her surrogate father. Now, she is entangled in a greater war where she is a pawn.

Best Thing: Henry Cavill's Geralt: Henry Cavill's portrayal of Geralt is praiseworthy, capturing the essence of the character from books and games, and it's a shame he will be gone in the fourth season. His replacement, Liam Hemsworth, has a tough act to follow.

Worst Thing: The Effects: While the story could be my first pick, The Witcher disappoints in visual effects. The monsters lack a terrifying nature and fail to match their book descriptions, something I was craving from the series. 

Pirates Of The Caribbean (2003 - 2017)

Travel the seas with this famous band of pirates, led by the infamous Jack Sparrow.

Best Thing: Johnny Depp As Jack Sparrow: Johnny Depp has played many iconic roles throughout his time in Hollywood, but to me, there's none more iconic than Jack Sparrow. He doesn't just play him; he becomes him, which improves the movies.

Worst Thing: The Lack Of Story As Films Continue: The first film in the franchise was great, and the second was decent, but by the time the third came around, I lost interest. The story just wasn't there, and critical characters began to vanish, replaced by underwhelming new ones. 

The Chronicles Of Narnia (2005 - 2010)

This famous fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia, follows the Pevensie children, who are transported to the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe and find that they are the ones who are meant to protect the land from evil. 

Best Thing: The Focus On Sibling Relationships: One of the things I remember the most about the first film was that it focused on sibling relationships, which I really enjoyed. It emphasized love, betrayal, forgiveness, and more, all within that family landscape. 

Worst Thing: The Scattered Plot Threads In The Films: The books have unique stories, but the movies? Everything feels very scattered. By the third film, the plot felt convoluted. Even with other characters from past films showing up, nothing stood out. 

Game Of Thrones (2011 - 2019)

The Game of Thrones franchise, based on the books by George R.R. Martin, follows several different characters as they all fight for one thing: power and the chance to sit on the Iron Throne.

Best Thing: The Overlapping Character's Stories: I'm not sure there will ever be another group like the Game of Thrones cast. Fans fell in love so quickly with every potential candidate for the throne – or found ones to hate - and somehow every single character fit wonderfully and created a near-perfect story. 

Worst Thing: The Ending Of The Show: The ending was rushed and felt incomplete. It is a polarizing issue for any show fan, and many would agree that it was fumbled by the creators of the TV show, as the book series wasn't even done yet. 

Highlander (1986 - 2007)

Released in 1986, Highlander is about several immortal warriors in a war that has lasted for centuries, focusing on the tale of Connor MacLeod.

Best Thing: It's A Fresh Story Of Immortals Hiding In Plain Sight: When Highlander was released, the film was full of fresh ideas regarding immortals hiding in plain sight. It gave the movie a chance to look into different centuries, and there was so much opportunity for cool set design and historical details. 

Worst Thing: The Special Effects That Are Used In Later Films: I'm not even going to get into how horrendously bad the movies get as the film series goes on, but I hated the special effects in later movies. The first film felt real and well-choreographed in its fight scenes, but by the time we get to the last film, it all feels fake. 

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005 - 2008)

This critically acclaimed Nickelodeon TV show follows Aang, an Airbender who was chosen as the next Avatar. He awakens from a decade of sleeping in an iceberg, quickly realizing that he must take down the Fire Lord before he takes over the world. 

Best Thing: Its Strong Characters For Both Males And Females: Avatar: The Last Airbender does not have a single character that outshines the other. Everyone adds such significance to the story that no episode feels like filler.

Worst Thing: How There Aren't More Seasons: This may feel like a copout, but my main issue is that there were only three seasons. Sure, the story of the Fire Lord was covered in those seasons, but there was so much more to tell – as fans later saw in the comics that were released. This series easily could have been long running, but I suppose that's what the upcoming movie is for -- to explore those stories. 

Shadow And Bone (2021 - Present)

Based on the books of the same name, Shadow and Bone follows Alina Starkov, a young woman who discovers she is a Grisha with a rare power that could save everyone and take on an evil darkness. 

Best Thing: Its Diverse And Imaginative World: In terms of modern fantasy, Shadow and Bone has some very diverse characters. And not only that, but the world is unique, combining plenty of interesting characters and fascinating lore. 

Worst Thing: The Use Of Love Plotlines That Don't Further The Main Conflict: Shadow and Bone Season 2 improved in many ways, but the love plotlines were not one of them. I would say out of everything, that should be left out of a possible Season 3 – or at least focus on one love story, for God's sake. 

The Wheel Of Time (2021 - Present)

Based on the novels by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, the Prime Video series, The Wheel of Time, mainly follows Moiraine, a member of a powerful organization of women sorcerers. She seeks out five villagers when she believes one of them could be the key to saving their world from evil – or possibly bring the world to its knees again. 

Best Thing: The Impressive Amount Of Lore: This isn't for everyone, as the amount of lore can be hard to keep up with. That being said, it's impressive. The world here is beautifully detailed and one you can easily get lost in. 

Worst Thing: Characters That You Don't Really Care About But I struggle to care about the characters with the amount of lore that is presented. The Wheel of Time cast is excellent, but since most feel more like a plot device rather than individuals, it's hard to care when someone is kidnapped or killed or something else. This could change as time goes on, but for now, that's my main complaint.

How To Train Your Dragon (2010 - 2019)

The animated film series, How To Train Your Dragon, follows Hiccup, a young Viking who becomes an expert in dragons and befriends one of the most dangerous, naming him Toothless. 

Best Thing: The Incredible Array Of Dragons There Are: There are many great things about How To Train Your Dragon, but the one thing I love the most is the creativity of the dragons. There are so many different kinds, and all of them are vastly unalike so it feels like there's one for anyone to enjoy. 

Worst Thing: Side-Characters That Need Less Screen Time: Some side characters are interesting, but there are times in the movies when they make jokes that don't sit well with me, and that time could have been spent moving the plot forward. Tuffnut and Ruffnut were very much hit or miss for me, along with a few others. 

Twilight (2008 - 2012)

The famous vampire/teen romance film series, Twilight, follows Bella, an ordinary teenage girl who falls in love with a vampire but finds herself in a love triangle with a werewolf. 

Best Thing: A Genuinely Interesting Romance That Has Layers: I will openly admit that the love story of Twilight has its moments that shine. While the movies themselves could have shown it better, the books paint a great romance with many layers. Even so, the chemistry between Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart made the love story in the films fun to watch.

Worst Thing: The Vampires Themselves: Vampires, even romantic interests, should at least be a little scary. These sparkle in the sun and play baseball during thunderstorms. I can't take them seriously. 

Labyrinth (1986)

Lastly, we have Labyrinth, directed by Jim Henson. The famous musical fantasy film follows a teenager on a quest to reach the center of a maze to rescue her half-brother from Jareth, the Goblin King. 

Best Thing: David Bowie As Jareth, And The Practical Effects: David Bowie as Jareth is always the best thing ever, and I don't think anyone else would be able to play the Goblin King better. I also want to say that the practical effects were amazing. Jim Henson is always a winner, and when he brings his puppets, they always kill it. It added to the fantasy aspect immensely. 

Worst Thing: That We've Had To Wait This Long For A Sequel: Seriously, how have we had to wait this long for a sequel to this film? There was a reboot announced in 2016, but there’s been barely any news on it. I need to see this world again. I'm tired of just reading comics from this franchise, please. 

What is it that you love about fantasy franchises? I'm going to have to keep an eye out for any premieres on my 2023 TV premiere schedule to make sure I keep up with all my fantasy shows.