10 Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Story Ideas If Johnny Depp Doesn’t Return

The return of Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is still up in the air, but if the actor chooses not to reprise the role of Jack Sparrow, the film could still focus on these 10 story ideas. Throughout the franchise’s five films, the world of Pirates of the Caribbean has gotten much bigger than Jack Sparrow, with all kinds of lore and side characters filling up the universe. Because of this, there is tons of potential for stories that don’t center on Johnny Depp, meaning that if he chooses not to return, Pirates of the Caribbean 6 could be about these potential storylines.

A sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film is happening, although it still isn’t known what form the film will actually take. Margot Robbie’s Pirates of the Caribbean film was originally going to take the place of a sixth sequel, but after its cancelation, the path forward is a little uncertain. There are rumors that Johnny Depp could return to reprise the role of Jack Sparrow in a proper Pirates of the Caribbean 6, but nothing has bene confirmed yet. It is entirely possible that production on a Pirates of the Caribbean movie without Johnny Depp could occur, and these 10 stories would be great ways to change focus.

10 Henry Turner Could Carry His Own POTC Movie

Although the fifth film, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, was poorly received, it set up the franchise’s perfect future protagonist: Henry Turner. Henry Turner is the son of Will and Elizabeth Turner, with the character seemingly getting into all kinds of trouble between the fourth and fifth films. Now that he has been properly introduced, Henry Turner could easily carry his own Pirates of the Caribbean movies, with the character updating the franchise for a new generation in the sixth film.

9 A POTC Movie Could Explore Will Turner’s Time On The Flying Dutchman

Prequels are a great way for Pirates of the Caribbean to branch away from the mainline Jack Sparrow storyline, and setting a story betwen the third and fifth films would be a great way to do this. In this time span, Will Turner is the captain of the cursed ghost ship Flying Dutchman. Will Turner’s curse was broken at the end of the fifth film, but a Pirates of the Caribbean movie focusing on the beloved character’s supernatural adventures could be the new angle that the franchise needs.

Related: How To Watch The Pirates Of The Caribbean Movies In Order: Chronologically Or By Release Date

8 Captain Barbossa Could Get His Own Prequel

Another perfect candidate for a Pirates of the Caribbean prequel is Captain Barbossa, the villain from the first film that has played a supporting role in every film since. Hector Barbossa was the captain of the Black Pearl, and although he was cursed in the first film, he undoubtedly got into all kinds of pirating adventures before finding the cursed gold. A Captain Barbossa prequel could focus on Barbossa and his crew, bringing back some of the classic characters from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

7 A Movie About Calypso & Davy Jones’ Past

Another major storyline that is hinted at throughout the second and third Pirates of the Caribbean films is Calypso and Davy Jones’ past. Davy Jones and Calypso have a complicated relationship, with Jones helping to trap the sea witch into the body of a human. This epic quest seems to be bigger than any of the main Pirates of the Caribbean stories, yet it is only talked about in expositional dialogue. Having a full-fledged Pirates of the Caribbean movie about this story would be a great way to expand the lore of the franchise.

6 The Royal Navy Could Get Their Own Spinoff

Although they have become only minor villains, the Royal Navy could also be the focus of their own Pirates of the Caribbean movie. A movie about the group hunting pirates could be a lot of fun, and actor Jack Davenport has even said that he is down for a spin-off focusing on Commodore Norrington (via EW).

5 Angelica Could Continue The Story Of On Stranger Tides

Penelope Cruz’s Angelica is one of the most popular characters from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, yet she still hasn’t returned to the franchise. Angelica is the daughter of Blackbeard and has connections to many members of the franchise’s main characters. Penelope Cruz is a big enough name to carry on the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, so turning it over to her if Johnny Depp doesn’t return is a great choice.

Related: Pirates Of The Caribbean 6: Release Date Speculation, Johnny Depp’s Return, Cast & Everything We Know

4 Zoe Saldana’s Anamaria Could Finally Return For POTC 6

Plenty of Pirates of the Caribbean 6 returning characters could carry on the franchise, but one of the most interesting choices is Anamaria. Played by Zoe Saldana, Anamaria had a small role in the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, but she never returned. Zoe Saldana’s career has taken off since then, with her appearing in the Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises, meaning that she is clearly popular enough to bring the Pirates of the Caribbean series back into the spotlight.

3 POTC Could Return To Its Roots With A War Against Piracy Story

The War Against Piracy is a major element of the early Pirates of the Caribbean stories, yet it has completely fallen to the wayside by the fifth film. Brining this conflict back to the center of Pirates of the Caribbean 6 would be a great way to return the franchise to its roots. A simple story about pirates on the run from the Royal Navy is all Pirates of the Caribbean 6 needs to revitalize itself and its original success.

2 POTC 6 Could Explore The Lore Of The Pirate Lords

If Pirates of the Caribbean 6 wants to further expand on the lore of the franchise, focusing on the Pirate Lords is a great way to do this. The Pirate Lords are nine powerful pirate captains who each rule over various areas across the globe, with a few of these legendary swashbucklers being seen in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. A movie about the inner-workings of this organization would be a neat departure from the franchise’s past stories, meaning that it has potential to be at the center of Pirates of the Caribbean 6.

1 Pirates Of The Caribbean 6 Could Feature Young Jack Sparrow

The most obvious choice for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 if Johnny Depp doesn’t return is a prequel movie focusing on a young Jack Sparrow. A digitally deaged Jack Sparrow appears in the fifth film, but simply recasting a younger version of the character could be the solution that the franchise needs. Its always possible that Johnny Depp could return, but if Pirates of the Caribbean 6 doesn’t want to lose its iconic main character, a young Jack Sparrow prequel is the way to go.