Be it by sea or by air, Jerry Bruckheimer is ready to get to work on his next major franchise blockbuster.
The 2x Oscar nominee recently gave a status update on the upcoming installments in the Pirates of the Caribbean and Top Gun franchises, noting that he is “expecting a script shortly” on the latter.
“I think it’s a horse race between the two of them, so we’ll see,” Bruckheimer told Entertainment Tonight. “Right now, Top Gun is a hair ahead, but that’s it. We’re expecting a script shortly.”
Although he wouldn’t divulge any details, Bruckheimer noted that he’s met with Margot Robbie about the next Pirates film, hinting at her involvement.
In 2024, Bruckheimer updated that Jeff Nathanson was writing a reboot of the Pirates franchise after penning the fifth installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). Additionally, the separate Christina Hodson-penned spin-off starring Robbie was also in development.
Jerry Bruckheimer attends the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon on Feb. 10, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Buckner/PMC
Although Bruckheimer said that he thinks Johnny Depp would reprise his role as Jack Sparrow in a reboot if it’s written well, the producer previously noted the next installment will be a reboot.
Meanwhile, Tom Cruise recently said he’s “working on” a follow-up to Top Gun: Maverick (2022), as well as a sequel to his 1990 NASCAR drama Days of Thunder.