Aug 21, 02:20 PM

Disney Revives ‘Pirates’ Franchise in Push to Capture Gen Z Men

Walt Disney Studios has placed a new installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise in active development, according to multiple industry reports published on 21 August. The studio has not disclosed plot details or casting, but the project signals renewed interest in one of Disney’s most lucrative live-action properties, dormant since 2017’s “Dead Men Tell No Tales.” The initiative coincides with an internal mandate to court Gen Z men—defined by the company as ages 13-28—after data showed Disney trailing rivals in that segment. Variety reports that studio leadership has asked producers and writers for original adventure and genre concepts aimed at young male moviegoers, supplementing the reboot of established brands such as “Pirates.” Responsibility for the strategy falls to David Greenbaum, who took charge of Disney’s live-action division in 2024 and recently recruited former Paramount executive Daria Cercek. The drive comes amid waning momentum for Marvel and Lucasfilm releases and follows Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in the Fortnite gaming platform. On this month’s earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger said the studio “won’t favor existing IP over original material,” underscoring the broader push to refresh the slate while revitalizing proven franchises.