set to have a couple of reboots, which looks to completely refresh the series while also continuing on within the same universe. As a result, there's a few already established characters that might be the perfect protagonists to base this soft reboot on.
While it's likely that the franchise will just create new characters for the series to be ongoing and will certainly avoid a number of heroes and villains who have had their time, there's also an opportunity here for some familiar faces to get a chance in the spotlight. Needless to say, there are some right and wrong choices when it comes to picking a lead.
Wouldn't Work: Captain Barbossa
Captain Barbossa has made an appearance in every film in the franchise so far, going from villain to hero over the course of the series. His story came to an end in the final installment, making it pretty inconvenient to bring him back.
What's more, his narrative arc really has come to an end. He made a noble sacrifice, and with his daughter finding him, there's not much more to achieve with the character. It seems that the former Captain of the Black Pearl would make a poor choice for a new series.
Would Work: Davy Jones
Davy Jones has seemingly returned after a post credits tease saw the shadow of the creature could be seen on the floor of Will and Elizabeth Turner's bedroom. There's a lot that could be achieved with having Jones as the lead of a new film.
While a prequel about the character would certainly be intriguing, since some of his backstory has already been explored, perhaps some kind of anti-hero story could be in the works from the squid faced monster.
Wouldn't Work: Mr Gibbs
Mr. Gibbs has had quite the adventure over the course of the series. Neither a hero nor a villain, he's a misunderstood pirate who fell from grace after initially starting his career in a far more noble position.
That downfall would probably be interesting to explore, but Gibbs has always been a great ing character rather than a lead. It's more likely he could be brought back down the line as a veteran, but new blood is required for the franchise to kick off again.
Would Work: Calypso
Calypso was teased throughout the second and third film, before finally being released as a wave of crabs. This ocean goddess is one of the most interesting characters from the franchise, but she was never revisited any further.
A great continuation of the saga would be to follow Calypso and delve into the mystical side of the universe that has been created. Perhaps now the goddess has had her vengeance she will be moving onto a new goal that doesn't involve Davy Jones.
Wouldn't Work: Carina Smyth
Carina Smyth may be one of the most intelligent characters of the franchise, but she's also one of the least well developed. She was set up to be the future of the series, but audiences didn't receive her in a positive way.
There's a lack of depth to the character that demonstrates that compared to an individual like Calypso, she may not be able to hold her own as the lead of a franchise. In this case it's better to start afresh.
Would Work: Redd
Redd may not be featured in any of the films so far, but she has been firmly established as part of the Pirates of the Caribbean rides across the Disney Parks. There are already a number of rumors swirling about the character.
Reports suggest that she could be chosen as the next leading lady, with Karen Gillan in the role. It's an interesting choice to pull from the ride once again, but one that honors the roots of the franchise, while also giving a breath of fresh air.
Wouldn't Work: Henry Turner
The story of the Turners has been completed. Once again Henry was being set up to be the future lead of the franchise. Much like his father, he got into quite a bit of trouble and was perhaps destined to become a pirate himself.
While the swashbuckling life might have been in his blood, it's probably not advised to create a whole franchise around the kid of a previous main character. It only leads to comparisons to the old series, and again, Henry was fleshed out enough to be interesting as a long term lead.
Would Work: Angelica
Angelica was one of the most interesting new additions the franchise and it was a shame that she was not elaborated upon further with more appearances after her debut. She was witty, fierce and clearly had a shared history with Jack.
As the franchise moves forward, without the iconic lead character of Captain Sparrow at the forefront, an equally powerful character has to be found as a replacement. Angelica proved that she was every part the equal to Jack, making her a strong contender.
Wouldn't Work: Philip Swift
Phillip Swift could have had something interesting about him. The Christian turned pirate had a lot of internal conflict, but this was never capitalized upon further. After his initial appearance, he was removed from the series again.
Although some aspects of the character were generic, there were certainly elements that could have been built upon. Disney showed they didn't have much faith in the role though, and undoubtedly it's now too late for him to be a good lead of the series.
Would Work: Anamaria
Anamaria was only briefly seen in the first film of the series, surprisingly played by Zoe Saldana. Not only is Saldana now an absolute star, but there was something about the character that made her worth exploring.
She briefly got to be the captain of Jack's crew and there were definitely some leadership abilities there. She now has her own ship and is likely off making a strong reputation for herself. It would be one of the most logical choices to bring her back again.
