For almost ten years, fans have been asking: When will Pirates of the Caribbean 6 be released?

Since Dead Men Tell No Tales came out in 2017, the franchise has faced many delays. There are rumors about a full reboot, possible spin-offs, and if Captain Jack Sparrow will return. As we look toward 2026, let’s go over the current status of this highly anticipated sequel.

The “Horse Race” for the Future

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has been the lighthouse guiding this project through the fog. In recent updates, he has been refreshingly transparent about the studio’s dilemma. Disney is currently juggling two distinct creative paths:

1. The Legacy Continuation: A story that could bridge the gap between old and new, potentially featuring legacy characters or even introducing Jack Sparrow’s offspring to pass the torch.

2. The Hard Reboot: A complete reimagining of the franchise, which has been linked to names like Margot Robbie in the past.

Bruckheimer famously described the situation as a “horse race.” Disney is essentially testing which script captures the magic of the original trilogy while satisfying modern audiences. The challenge? Trying to recapture the “lightning in a bottle” that Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow provided back in 2003.

The “Top Gun” Factor: Why the Delay?

One of the most persistent rumors regarding the delay of Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is its competition for resources—specifically against the powerhouse Top Gun franchise. With Top Gun 3 officially moving into active production with Tom Cruise, many industry insiders believe that Disney and Bruckheimer have shifted their immediate focus and studio bandwidth toward the aerial thrills of Maverick rather than the maritime adventures of the Caribbean.

While this doesn’t mean Pirates is officially canceled, it does suggest that the project has been pushed down the priority list. In the high-stakes world of Hollywood, even a flagship franchise can be anchored if the studio decides the “wind” (or the budget) is better spent elsewhere.

Will Johnny Depp Return as Jack Sparrow?

This is the heart of the debate. For many, Pirates of the Caribbean without Jack Sparrow is like a ship without a rudder.

Despite the well-documented legal battles and the studio’s initial distancing, the door hasn’t been permanently slammed shut. Bruckheimer has repeatedly hinted that if the script is “right”—and if Depp is moved by the story—a return isn’t impossible. However, the actor has previously expressed his own reservations about returning to Disney after feeling sidelined during his most challenging years.

Whether we see the return of the Captain or a new crew altogether, the sentiment remains the same: the audience’s connection to the character is the franchise’s greatest asset—and its biggest complication.

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The Verdict: Is It Happening?

As of June 2026, “Pirates of the Caribbean 6” is still stuck in development. There is no set start date for production, no confirmed cast, and no release date.

Disney is being careful with this project. They see the chance to earn billions at the box office, but they also know that making the wrong move could harm one of their most valuable franchises. For now, the project hasn’t moved forward, but the team is still ready, waiting for the right moment.

What do you think? Should Disney take a chance on a reboot without Captain Jack Sparrow, or is it better to leave the treasure buried? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article shares the latest updates from the industry as of mid-2026. Production schedules in Hollywood can change, and Disney’s official announcements are the best source for accurate information.