Last year it was reported that Disney Studios were in development on a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot, with Deadpool writers Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick. Since then news on the project has been quiet. Now, it looks like the project could be dead in the water.
According to Deadline, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese have left the project. It is unclear at this time what the reason was for Wernick and Reese’s sudden departure. It is also unclear at this time if Disney continues to proceed with the reboot with new writing talent or just shelve the project completely.
Back in December Disney film chief Sean Bailey shared his excitement for the film.
“We want to bring in a new energy and vitality. I love the [Pirates] movies, but part of the reason Paul and Rhett are so interesting is that we want to give it a kick in the pants. And that’s what I’ve tasked them with.”
It was unclear if the previously reported Joachim Rønning will return to direct. One has to assume they would’ve looked in a new direction for a director. Jerry Bruckheimer was once again board the ship as producer, and has not jumped ship.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is one of the most financially successful of all time. The five films have grossed over $4.5 billion at the worldwide box office. The last pirates film Dead Men Tell No Tales ended up making $794.1M worldwide for the studio, dominating the Memorial Day weekend in 2017.
Source: Deadline