Orlando Bloom Says the Only Way to Revive Pirates of the Caribbean Is to Bring the Originals Back

At Fan Expo Chicago, Bloom insists a stellar script and a full cast reunion—including Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley—are essential, as Disney contemplates both a reboot and a spin-off.

At the 2025 Fan Expo Chicago, Orlando Bloom reaffirmed his hopes for a revival of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise—if and only if the original cast returns. Bloom, who portrayed Will Turner across four films, emphasized that compelling writing and the return of beloved stars like Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley are the “two non-negotiables” for any potential sequel or reboot.

“Everything is in the writing,” Bloom told the crowd. “I would personally love to see everybody back. I think the way to win on that one is to get everybody back—if they can, and if everybody wanted to go back.” He added, “If the script was great and—ideally—it was everybody, it’d be kind of like in for a penny, in for a pound.”

Jerry Bruckheimer, the veteran producer behind the franchise, recently shared his belief that if the role is well-written, Johnny Depp “would do it.” While Depp’s involvement remains uncertain—particularly given his past legal battles—Bruckheimer confirmed that two separate projects are in development: one being a reboot written by Jeff Nathanson, and another a female-led spin-off written by Christina Hodson, with Margot Robbie once attached to star.

Meanwhile, Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth Swann in the original trilogy, has been vocal about her hesitations. She has spoken about the emotional toll of long-term franchise work, revealing that while Pirates boosted her career, it also subjected her to intense scrutiny. Knightley explained:

“It’s a funny thing when you have something that was making and breaking you at the same time… The hours are insane… you have no control over where you’re filming, how long you’re filming, what you’re filming.”

Now a mother and more selective about her roles, Knightley has made it clear that she’s not interested in returning to multi-film sagas.

As the franchise sails toward uncharted waters, Bloom’s remarks highlight the tension between nostalgia and reinvention. While fans may yearn for the return of the original ensemble, Disney seems equally eager to explore new narrative directions—whether through rekindled history or bold new adventures. For now, the question remains: will the spark that ignited Pirates of the Caribbean resurface with familiar faces, or will the series chart a new course under different captains?