Hold onto your hats, movie fans, because Jerry Bruckheimer is gearing up for not one, but two major franchise blockbusters—and it’s anyone’s guess which will hit theaters first. But here’s where it gets controversial: Will Pirates of the Caribbean or Top Gun win the race to the big screen? In a recent update, the legendary producer likened the competition between the two projects to a horse race, revealing that Top Gun is currently a hair ahead—though that lead is far from secure. And this is the part most people miss: Bruckheimer is expecting a script for Top Gun soon, but the Pirates reboot is hot on its heels, with Margot Robbie potentially stepping into a leading role.
Bruckheimer, a two-time Oscar nominee, has been tight-lipped about specifics, but he confirmed meeting with Robbie to discuss the next Pirates installment. This follows his 2024 announcement that Jeff Nathanson, who penned Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), is writing a reboot for the franchise. Meanwhile, a separate spin-off starring Robbie, written by Christina Hodson, is also in development. Here’s the kicker: While Bruckheimer believes Johnny Depp would reprise his iconic role as Jack Sparrow if the script is strong enough, the next Pirates film is officially a reboot—a decision that’s sure to spark debate among fans.
On the Top Gun front, Tom Cruise recently teased that he’s working on ideas for a follow-up to Top Gun: Maverick (2022), as well as a sequel to his 1990 NASCAR drama Days of Thunder. With both franchises in full swing, the question remains: which will cross the finish line first?
Controversial question for you: Should Pirates of the Caribbean move forward without Johnny Depp, or is the franchise inseparable from his Jack Sparrow? And does Top Gun need another sequel, or should Maverick’s story remain untouched? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
