Pirates 6 D23 Reveal Hopes Grow Ahead of Disney Showcase

Fans are once again looking to D23 as speculation builds that Disney could finally unveil long-awaited plans for the next Pirates of the Caribbean film.

There’s been a long wait for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, but with Disney’s D23 Expo coming up, the franchise is starting to develop some buzz again. Although there’s no official confirmation that the next installment will be revealed at the event, fans are getting more and more excited that Disney will finally give a major update on one of its most recognizable film franchises.

The property is also seeing another boost in interest following the recent publication of the fan-produced project, Secrets of the Lamp. The trailer is getting favorable reviews online. The buzz around that project has reminded many fans just how much love there still is for Pirates of the Caribbean, even nearly a decade after the previous cinematic release.

It’s been the spot for Disney to make big announcements — D23 — so it’s natural for fans to gravitate to it when whispers start to fly.

Much of the chatter this year has been about Disney's gaming announcements, particularly hopes for Kingdom Hearts. Still, many think the convention might also be an opportunity for Disney to discuss the future of Captain Jack Sparrow's universe. The most recent Pirates of the Caribbean 6 updates have been much of the same.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has said in interviews that the screenplay is still being developed and has done little more than reassure fans that work is continuing behind the scenes. Those statements have kept the project alive but haven't done much to clarify the biggest uncertainties about the film's cast or production timeline.

Adding fuel to the speculation, Jerry Bruckheimer will be honored with a Disney Legends award at this year’s D23 festival. While that recognition has nothing to do with any film announcements, several fans have pointed out that Disney has used huge events in the past to disclose new Pirates projects.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales was unveiled with a remarkable D23 presentation, so some have speculated whether Disney might use the convention once again to unveil the next chapter of the franchise. Expectations remain guarded, but backers feel the timing could be just right if the script is at last nearing completion.

There have also been a few reports over the years of cast members coming back.

Orlando Bloom has said he'd love to come back, whereas Keira Knightley has been less vocal in prior interviews. Meanwhile, one of the biggest unresolved concerns in Hollywood is Johnny Depp’s future in the series, and many fans still hope he will return if the movie is greenlit. Timing may also be on the franchise’s side.

Depp is slated for a big return to the big screen later this year, which may be a boost of momentum if Disney is gearing up to move forward with the next film. Even if Disney does formally unveil Pirates of the Caribbean 6 at D23, it would likely merely be the start of the next chapter. Before the cameras can start rolling on big productions, months of casting, contract negotiations, site planning, visual effects preparation, and pre-production work are needed.

Industry observers say that big blockbusters usually disclose their casts well before they start shooting. So if Disney announced a finished script and principal cast this summer, it probably wouldn’t realistically start shooting until early next year, followed by another long post-production process. 

That timeframe would likely see the film arrive sometime in 2028, nearly 11 years after Dead Men Tell No Tales graced theaters. For many longtime admirers, that long gap just builds anticipation for whatever Disney eventually unveils. Expectations remain realistic despite the increased excitement. Many concede that this year’s expo may be like previous D23S, which have come and gone without a groundbreaking Pirates announcement.

But supporters feel the project needs to get past the usual "the script is still being worked on" update that has been repeated for years.

Some even believe that a period of silence might actually mean progress is being made, with Disney secretly tying up screenplays, contracts, and production plans before officially announcing it.

Nothing is confirmed for now, and the odds are still in favor of another year with no major news. That said, it’s been months since the last official Bruckheimer update, and many say the timing is finally more feasible than it has been in years. Whether or not D23 delivers that much-anticipated reveal, the anticipation for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 continues to sail forward.