Disney has put Pirates of the Caribbean back in active development. Variety’s reporting says the project now moving forward is not the Margot Robbie spin off that was floated a few years ago. There is no cast or director to announce yet. The move lines up with a broader push inside Disney to court Gen Z men with big adventure films and fresh crowd pleasers.
What “active development” actually means
Active development usually covers script work, early creative packaging, and internal testing of tone and direction. It does not mean a greenlight, a start date, or a locked cast. For a franchise as large as Pirates, the studio will want a script that can set a new tone and travel well overseas, where the series has always been strong.
Why Pirates fits Disney’s Gen Z goal
Recent coverage of Disney’s strategy describes a hunt for bold adventure ideas that can win back young male audiences. Leadership changes over the past couple of years put David Greenbaum in charge of Disney’s live action slate and 20th Century Studios. His remit includes finding films with clear hooks and broad theatrical upside. A modern Pirates checks those boxes. The brand is known worldwide, it plays like a theme park ride, and it can deliver humor, spectacle, and a simple treasure map plot that cuts across languages. For a studio trying to re engage teen and college age guys, that is a practical bet.
What this means for the Margot Robbie project
Trade coverage that cites Variety is specific on one point. The Pirates project that is active right now is not the Margot Robbie led version. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has said multiple iterations have been explored over the years, including a Robbie led idea and a reboot that could welcome new faces. None of that is the current plan in motion.
Could legacy characters return
There is no casting news. Bruckheimer has expressed interest in bringing Johnny Depp back if the story is right, but nothing is set. Until Disney hires a writer that the studio publicly confirms or names a director, any talk of returning characters is just that. Expect clearer signals once a script direction locks and the studio begins quiet conversations with talent.
What to watch next
Three milestones will tell you how serious this new voyage is. First, a writer announcement, which should hint at tone. Second, a director hire, which tells you how grounded or pulpy the film will feel. Third, a title and logline that make the hook easy to repeat. If Disney is targeting younger guys, look for a simple premise like a race for a legendary artifact, a tight crew of rogues, and set pieces that can sell in one shot.
Pirates is back on Disney’s development slate, separate from the Margot Robbie pitch, with no cast or director attached. The timing fits a larger plan to win back Gen Z men with big, theatrical adventures. The franchise already has global name recognition and a clear vibe, which makes it a smart place for Disney to plant a new flag. The real test will be whether the studio commits to a sharp new voice and a fast, funny script that feels modern without losing the swagger that made these movies work in the first place.
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