Pirates of the Caribbean 4: A Peek at the Disney Franchise

In 2007, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End brought the trilogy of Pirates movies to a close. This film wrapped up the loose ends presented in Dead Man's Chest, further expanded the concepts introduced in the first film, and summed up everything. Can any more really be done to this franchise?

Disney says, "yes!"

The first film, Curse of the Black Pearl, is almost unquestionably the best. The second and third films are more like a single film and an add-on to Pearl. The characters are the same, even the development, but the stories of films 2 and 3 progress a bit differently from the first. The first has a singular, contained universe, just a few islands, a cursed boat, and an undead crew. The second film opened up the ocean, and the last film took us to the underworld, of sorts.

Davy Jones was killed, his successor chosen, Will and Elizabeth began a new life, Barbossa took command of the Pearl, Jack Sparrow struck out on his own, again, and a vengeful goddess was set free. Piracy seems to be in good shape, after defeating the threat of Cutler Beckett. Honestly, all these elements taken care, can there really be a fourth movie?

The answer again is, "yes!"

How? It's quite simple, actually. The major plot elements and devices were indeed settled, solved, or shelved, common occurences in end-of-an-era installments. Keira Knightley has expressed wishes not to return. Orlando Bloom likely having the same opinion. That doesn't matter. The formula for the next film is a spin-off.

Honestly, that's the best bet. Everything in the main plot of the Pirates trilogy has been solved. The franchise concluded, but left a minor door open at the very end. Jack Sparrow sets off for the Fountain of Youth in a dinghy, having stolen the key portion of a chart from Pearl rival Barbossa. Is this the plan? Most likely.

Some sources report that the next film will involve Sparrow and Barbossa convening in New Orleans before setting off for Florida to search for the Fountain of Youth. Given the Pirates-style treatment of myth and legend, we can safely assume the new film will give us more of the same. Gore Verbinski felt the biggest danger was diminished brand, which is always an issue with continuing sequels. The director felt any more installments would have to be worth telling, but noted that he would start fresh and focus on further adventures of Jack Sparrow.

Johnny Depp signed on to the film in September of 2008, lending credence to Verbinski's comments and speculation. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer began supervising producers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio in writing the film. A 2012 release date has been set.

Is it a good idea? That's hard to say. Spin-offs do not always work well in cinema. Then in other times, a spin-off can become a franchise all its own. This project has potential, but will it Shanghai us for more swashbuckling adventures on the high seas, or send us hurtling into the inky depths of a Charybdine maelstrom? We'll just have to wait and see what Disney gives us in 2012.