Karen Gillan may succeed Johnny Depp for the Pirates of the Caribbean reboot

Last Updated on April 3, 2022

Yarg! Prepare to secure the rum, drop anchor, and ready the long boats, because we’re about to dock at Rumor Isle!

A recent report hailing from The Disinsider suggests that Jumanji and Marvel film veteran Karen Gillan could be up for leading a reboot of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, a move that would effectively see the actress replacing Johnny Depp‘s Jack Sparrow as the main character.

To be as crystal clear as some Caribbean waters, word of Gillan potentially boarding the Pirates franchise is purely speculation at this time. The rumblings come from insider Daniel Richtman, who says that Disney is not only going to reboot their Pirates series, but that the studio is also scouring the high seas for a female lead. Again, no formal talks between Gillan and Disney have taken place. In other words, this is more of a “what if” scenario, and I would take it with a wooden barrel of salt.

In addition to Gillan’s name being floated, Richtman also says that although plot details are non-existent at this time, the reboot could focus on Redd, a popular pirate featured in the Disney Parks attraction upon which the film series is based.

Back in October, Disney hired CHERNOBYL creator Craig Mazin and Ted Elliot, who wrote the previous Pirates films, to craft a fresh take on the pirate franchise. For the moment, no directors have been named, though Richtman assures his readers that the search for new talent is indeed on.

Rumor or no, I would welcome Gillan onto the Pirates franchise with open arms. I’ve sort of been in love with her since she played Amy Pond for the BBC’s Doctor Who, and her Ruby Roundhouse character from Jumanji is personally invited to kick my ass any day of the week. My affections aside, Gillan has demonstrated time and again that she’s ready for a larger spotlight on the big screen, and leading a Pirates franchise could be just the boost she needs to arrive as a leading lady.

What do you think about the concept of Karen Gillan stepping onto a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot? Do you think there’s any truth to this rumor? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments section below.