The story of Pirates of the Caribbean is twisted.
It begins in the early 90s. Steven Spielberg receives a script written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. It is inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland.
Spielberg is excited by the idea and wants to make the film. He suggests that the role of Jack Sparrow be played by Bill Murray, Steve Martin or Robin Williams.
Bill Murray and Steve Martin.
But Disney doesn’t like the idea or the casting.
The project is abandoned.
However, ten years later, the context has changed and Disney is reconsidering the idea of transforming its famous attraction into a feature film.
Screenwriter Jay Wolpert writes a script that tells the adventures of Will Turner, a prison guard, who frees Jack Sparrow so that he can save the woman he loves from the clutches of Captain Blackheart. The storyline does not yet include any supernatural elements.
Disney validates the project without enthusiasm and plans to release it directly on video.
Then a new president arrives at Disney, Dick Cook, who learns of the Pirates project and believes in it deeply. He hired Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio to write a new script. They will then add supernatural elements.
Gore Verbinski is hired to direct the film.
Disney suggested Jim Carrey in the lead role, but when the latter turned out to be cast on Bruce Almighty, they suggested Christopher Walken, Matthew McConaughey or Michael Keaton. Without success.
The role was then offered to Robert DeNiro, who refused it, convinced that pirate films all flop.
Johnny Depp’s candidacy will ultimately be proposed by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and supported by Disney president Dick Cook.