Pirate News: Pirates 5 Begins Shooting, brings in more cast, and an Official Synopsis is Released!

The Pirate News treasure trove was ripe for plundering recently as a whole bunch of new information has come about about the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean 5, which just started shooting in Australia.

Firstly, Disney has finally released an official synopsis of the film.  Check it out:

"Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea...including him. Captain Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas."

It sounds like Javier Bardem is going to be the villain after-all (I hadn't heard anything official, so I was beginning to have my doubts.)  On top of that, it looks like his character will be called Captain Salazar, and will be a ghost from the Bermuda Triangle.  I'm not sure we need another undead Pirate villain in the Pirate-verse, but Bardem will probably do something unique with the character.  I'm going to remain optimistic.

It also is noted that Poseidon's Trident will be the new treasure/magical artifact that heroes and villains alike strive for in the new picture.  It apparently has the power to control the sea;  but doesn't Calipso/Tia Dalma do that?  Didn't the Kraken give Davy Jones the ability to rule the sea?  how many different ways are there to become king of the ocean anyways?  Oh-well;  It'll be fun regardless.

Also in Pirate news there were a few new casting announcements made.  The following actors are officially in the new Pirates of the Caribbean:

Delroy Atkinson - No Idea

Danny Kirrane - No Idea

Adam Brown - No Idea

Johnny Depp - Jack sparrow

Kaya Scodelario - Some kind of female lead

Brenton Thwaites - Some kind of male lead;  Will Turners son?

Martin Klebba - Marty

Golshifteh Farahani - No Idea

Geoffrey Rush - Barbossa

Javier Bardem - Captain Salazar

Kevin R. McNally - Joshamee Gibbs

Stephen Graham - Scrum

I think it's great that Martin Klebba is reprising his role from the first three movies.  I hope he isn't the only secondary character that makes a re-appearance.  I also think it's really cool that Scrum from On Stranger Tides is coming back;  probably as part of Barbossa's crew on the Queen Anne's Revenge.

For a good number of the cast, I have no idea what to think.  It has been hinted at heavily that Brenton Thwaites will be playing Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann's son, but that has yet to be confirmed.  There are also a bunch of rumors running around that Orlando Bloom will be making a return to the franchise;  and I really hope that's true.

As Pirates 5 pre-production has been underway we've gotten plenty of set footage; and now that the movie has begun production, that trend shows no sign of slowing.  Check out these new set photos, the last of our pirate news.

Pirate News: More Potc5 Set Photos

Remember those Pirates of the Caribbean 5 set photos that were leaked earlier this month?  Well just the other day comingsoon.net sent out a new batch of photos from the same Australian set still under sonstruction.

The set is definitely looking more and more like an ol' timey town.  They don't really tell us any more about the film then the original photos did, but it's still cool to see how the thing is progressing.  Check out all the new photos below.

I really like the look of some of these near-finished buildings.  This place is definitely starting to get an Adventureland/Caribbean plaza look to it which I really like.  These new set photos may not give is much to speculate on; but it's reassuring to know that Disney is so confident going forward that  they're building elaborate sets this early before shooting.

Pirate Profiles: Captain Teague

Hey guess what!

What?

Pirate Profiles!

Pirate Profiles is back baby, and back with another scurvy pirate worthy of shooting, hanging or general dismemberment.  Today we'll be "profiling" Captain Teague, Keeper of the Code and father to the inglorious Jack Sparrow.  Who is Captain Teague (also called Edward Teague?)  We'll go a tad in-depth to find out.

The Personality

Captain Teague appears to be one of the more easy going sorts of Pirates, though he can become violent when his morals are encroached.  Most of the times he seems to just hang out in various taverns and coves, drinking and playing his guitar.  Despite his easy going manner Captain Teague is well feared and respected amongst the Pirate community. 

His strong affinity for the Pirates Code, or Pirata Codex, shows that he has a moral fiber absent in the average pirate.  While most pirates see the code as "more like guidelines then actual rules," Teague will be liable to shoot someone for even suggesting a break in code.

Skills?

As already mentioned, Teague can play guitar.  He is shown as being a great shot and one who does not shy from more gruesome violence.  More significantly he is The Keeper of the Code, protects said code, and is well informed about it.

Edward's relationship with his son is on fair terms, despite the fact that he appeared to have shrunken Sparrow's mother's head.  He also shows a propensity for being able to vanish without notice or reason, and this skill is not explained.

Unlike many pirates, he shows that he is surprisingly literate.

Failings?

Some might say that his incredible devotion to the Pirata Codex would be a fault, but Teague would violently dissagree.  Some might also say that his laid back demeanor when facing harrowing situations.

His known family cnsists of JAck Sparrow (his son,) and a shrunken head (which is all that's left of Jack's mother.)  though he does seem to legitamately love his son, this seems to show that he has some serious faillings as a father and spouse.

The Film Roles

In POTC1?

Unfortunately Teague did not make it into this particular Pirate film.

In POTC2?

Unfortunately Teague did not make it into this particular Pirate film.


In POTC3?

In At World's End, the third entry into the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, we are first introduced to Edward Teague as Jack Sparrows father and the Keeper of the Code.  It is thanks to his adamant insistance on keeping to said code that a pirate king is elected and pirate war declared against Beckett and Davy Jones.  He shoots one of Sri Sumbhajee's mates who suggest that the code be done away with in the instance of the fourth Brethren Court.

In POTC4?

In the fourth Pirates flick, On Stranger Tides, Teague shows up near the beginning of the film to impart upon his son some fatherly wisdom, and tell him a few important things about The Fountain of Youth which is a major part of the film.  He also saves Sparrows life from a particularly surly British soldier, and displays his unexplained talent for vanishing.

Best Scene?

 

This is a compilation of scenes with Teague from POTC3, but the best bit is in the first few minutes, when Teague shoots a man, and makes his grand entrance.

Pirates of the Caribbean 5? (Conjecture)

I see absolutely no reason for Teague to reappear in POTC5 considering the plot rumors and details that are floating around right now, but that doesn't mean anything.  There was no reason for his character to be in POTC4 either, but he was there anyways.  Honestly I wouldn't mind finding out more about this character and his relationship to Jack Sparrow.  Who knows?  Edward Teague could become an integral part of the Pirates of the Caribbean universe in POTC5!

Pirate News: First POTC5 Set Photos

Good news everybody! The first set photos from Pirates of the Caribbean 5 have finally arrived via Comingsoon.net

From the looks of things these set photos are of an ol'-timey town type set that is still under construction.  The photos reveal next to nothing about the sets purpose or anything about the plot of the upcoming pirate picture, but it's still good to know that shooting has either started or will be starting very soon.  We're just that much closer to another Pirate adventure!  You can check out the photos below.

By the way.  Is it me or is that an old American flag in that second photo?  Could the next Pirates flick take place in the U.S.A.?  Would that even fit in with the Pirate timeline?  I know I'm already creating all sorts of theories about what could be in POTC5, and I hope you are as well!

Pirate Profiles: Cotton

Avast! You be searching for profiles of salty pirates?  Then look no further!  Today we're going to be looking at a pirate of few words and many hijinks, Cotton the Pirate!  So get your talking parrot ready because we're about to set sail today on Pirate Profiles!

The Personality

Cotton is one of the strangest pirate crew members to sail the seven seas.  He's clearly more then a little wonky in the head as well in his ability to speak.  His lack of speaking ability makes it a touch difficult to get a grasp on his character, but he clearly loves pirating and seamanship, otherwise why would he have signed up to join Jack Sparrow (sorry, CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow) on his voyages?

Outside of the major motion pictures Cotton has a bit role in the official Pirates of the Caribbean short, Wedlocked, which reveals a tad more on his personality.  Specifically that he has a bit of a blabbermouth.

Skills?

Cotton is defined less by what he can do and more by what he can't.  Yes he can rock some sails and a crows nest right up there with the best of them, and he's clearly a proficient fighter as he was able to survive many dangerous events in the "Pirates" movies.  I also hear tell that he has a bit of a parrot-training talent, but have seen little evidence of this.

Faillings? 

Cotton can't talk, and he doesn't really seem to be able to communicate well in any other way.  He trained his parrot to speak for him (don't rightly know how,) but apparently not very well sense the only one who seems to understand him is Gibbs.  He's a good pirate, just not a great communicator.

The Film Roles

 

In POTC1?

 

Cotton was one of the lucky few to join Jack's venture to retrieve The Black Pearl.  Through a bit of luck he survived the ordeal.

In POTC2?

 

Cotton's parrot was instrumental in signalling Will Turner that Jack and his crew were on the Pelegosto island in Dead Man's Chest, and had an important role in helping Will, Gibbs and the rest escape that island in round hamsterball cages.  He was one of the few crew members to survive the Krakens attack on the pearl.

In POTC3?

 

Cotton helped return Jack from Davy Jones locker in the third installment in the franchise.  He helped sack Singapore, trick Sao Feng and even got to pilot The Black Pearl for a little bit during the climactic battle.  He really seems like a handy guy to have around!

 

In POTC4?

 

Unfortunately Cotton does not appear in this movie.

Best Scene?

   

Pirates of the Caribbean 5? (Conjecture)

Much like Pintel, another "Pearl" crew member who has been profiled by this sight, Cotton's fate may have been sealed when Blackbeard took the Black Pearl from Barbossa in between POTC3 and POTC4.  If Jack the Monkey survived inside the bottle Blackbeard used to secure the "Pearl," then it's entirely possible that Cotton returns.  It would really be sad if it was revealed that he died off screen, he may not have been a major player in the plot of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, but he's done enough that he at least deserves an onscreen death.  Here's hoping he returns for the upcoming film!

Pirate Profiles: Blackbeard

Welcome back to Pirate Profiles!  So what scurvy scallywag shall we be profiling today?  Well how about one of the most infamous pirates ever?  Blackbeard!  So get your rum ready and your shiny cutlass in it's scabbard because it's time to get our Blackbeard on! let's get started!

The Personality

Blackbeard is one of the evilest most vile pirates in the seven seas.  His cruelty and general evil seem to go almost all the way to his bones.  He cares for little other than himself and what he wants.  In his own words, "You know when I feel closest to our Maker? When I see suffering, pain, and anguish!"  His only soft spot is for his daughter Angelica.

Skills?

Blackbeard's main talent is just being a maniacal jerk, but that's not all.  He also has a talent for create compliant psychic zombies to do his bidding and creating voodoo dolls.  One of his most useful abilities comes through his sword, The Sword of Triton, which he can use to control the rigging and sails of any ship using only it's hilt and his mind.

Faillings? 

If Blackbeard has any failings it's that he is to perfectly evil.  He is also more on the mortal side then say Davy Jones or a pirate cursed by Aztec Gold.  All it takes is a little frog poison or a little magic water minus the mermaid tear and he's deader than a dead thing at a dead convention.

I also hear tell that he's destined to be killed by a one-legged man, so Long-John Silver has a good chance of taking him out.

The Film Roles

 

In POTC1?

 

Unfortunately Blackbeard did not make it into this particular Pirate film.

In POTC2?

 

Unfortunately Blackbeard did not make it into this particular Pirate film.

In POTC3?

 

Unfortunately Blackbeard did not make it into this particular Pirate film.

 

In POTC4?

 

Blackbeard finally makes his appearance in On Stranger Tides as the main protagonist.  He forces Jack Sparrow to help him find the fountain of youth so that he can survive his proheceid death, and can spend more time with his long lost daughter.

His plan, unfortunately for him, does not really go as planned and in the end he is killed by the combined efforts of his nemesis(es.)  His lovely ship, The Queen Ann's Revenge, is stolen by his killer, the one legged man a long with his magical sword.

Best Scene?

   

Pirates of the Caribbean 5? (Conjecture)

Well Blackbeard bit the preverbial dust in that last pirate flick, so it seems unlikely that he will return in the next film.  We might however see him in flashback form or something of the like;  several characters have serious past connections to Blackbeard (especially Barbossa and Angelica,) so it would make sense that their arcs connect to his past.

Also there have been more then a few characters who have been brought back from the dead in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, so who knows?  Blackbeard might make a return to save Jack Sparrow from the villainous clutches of Anne Bonnie or something.  Anything goes!  It definitely would be great to see our vile friend with the smoking beard make a return to the series!

Pirate Profiles: Ragetti

Welcome to Pirate Profiles!  Everyone knows Jack Sparrow and Barbossa, but here on Pirate Profiles every buccaneer, privateer and scallywag gets equal billing.  Who will our first profile be on?  Well how about that lovably murderous scamp, Ragetti?

The goal of this series is to give each Pirates of the Caribbean character their own write-up, but it's also a fun chance to guess what they might be up to for Pirates 5 when it comes out amost three years from now.

So without further explanation.  Let's get started!

The Personality

Ragetti is a mischevious and often villainous pirate who plays more of a comic-relief role in any pirate group he's in.  He is, however, still a semi-important pirate, as you will see in the other sections of this profile.

Skills?

Has a knack for piracy (of course,) theology, and is extremely proficient at pronouncing the names of mythological creatures.  He knows his way around a cannon, and can even sword fight when the need arises.

Faillings?

A few failings come to mind.  Ragetti has a problem keeping track of his splintering wooden eye, he is rarely very honest and is a coward to boot.  He's also not the fastest tractor on the farm, and That's just skimming the surface of his flaws and grievances. 

The Film Roles

In POTC1?

In the Curse of the Black Pearl Ragetti is one of Barbossa's cursed crew, and sales, along with his frenemy Pintel.  He was one of the Pirates who first found Elizabeth Swan during the early parts of the film, and in the end of the film he and Pintel are used as distractions while Barbosa's immortal crew raid the British ships that were lying in wait for them.  He was also used as a source of comedy throughout the film.

In POTC2?

Through an unknown adventure involving the prison dog Ragetti has escaped the British with his mate Pintel by his side, and arrived at Pelegosto island with the intentions of stealing The Black Pearl from Jack Sparrow.  Ragetti fails of course, and joins the crew of The Black Pearl.

Later in the film he again tries to double cross Jack Sparrow by attempting to steal the "Dead Man's Chest" right out from under his nose.  He, again, fails, and by the end of the film he swears to help bring back the dead Sparrow from Davy Jones locker.

In POTC3?

Ragetti joins up with Barbossa, Turner and crew to save Jack Sparrow from the dreaded locker.  He and Pintel are responsible for a few sight gags here and there, but have little influence on the films plot as a whole with one major exception.  Ragetti is somehow the only one who knows how to speak to Calypso "as if to a lover," thus freeing her from her human bonds.  Without him there would have been no watery vortex for the POTC3 finale.

In POTC4?

Unfortunately Ragetti did not make it into this particular Pirate film.

Best Scene?

Pirates of the Caribbean 5? (Conjecture)

At the end of Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End Ragetti was, presumably on the Black Pearl as captained by Barbossa.  Is it possible that he died at the hands of Blackbeard's crew when The Pearl was taken?  Or were he and Pintel sucked into that glass bottle along with Jack the monkey?  Will we find out in POTC5?  Probably not.  But I still hope that this Iconic character makes a come back!