In the ‘movies that no one wants one more sequel to’ category, we have the frontrunner in Pirates Of The Caribbean 5. What was a good idea the first time has not been such a good idea the next three times, although I do think that Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was unfairly maligned. Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 now has a director, though. Or rather: directors.
Norwegian directing team Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg are taking on directorial duties for Pirates Of The Caribbean 5. The film that got them the gig was Kon-Tiki, about explorer Thor Heyerdal’s journey across the Pacific on a balsa wood raft. The film proved that the pair are capable of water action, which is pretty important when it comes to the Pirates franchise.
It’s a unique choice for a blockbuster, taking two relatively unknown directors and placing them at the helm. But maybe it’s just what Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 needs. The franchise hasn’t done so hot critically since the original Pirates Of The Caribbean way back when. Although producer Jerry Bruckheimer remains in control, the script for Pirates Of The Caribbean has gone through numerous iterations over the years. The current one is a rewrite by Jeff Nathanson, from an original script by Terry Rossio.
Johnny Depp will remain in place as Captain Jack Sparrow, though who else plans to join him in Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 remains to be seen.
Is the directorial shift exciting? It would be if I had any faith left in this franchise. Right now it just feels like they’re beating a dead horse. The pirate craze, unfortunately, has passed us by. But maybe these two Norwegians can reignite it. They’re certainly not a conventional choice.
What do you think of the new directors for Pirates Of The Caribbean 5? Does it shiver your timbers, or other pirate-related puns? Let us know in the comments.