Jacob Elordi has made a significant impact on the film industry, transitioning from an unknown actor to a serious contender for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Frankenstein. Though he initially captured audiences as a heartthrob in The Kissing Booth, his work in Euphoria showcased his depth as an actor. Remarkably, Elordi’s first screen role was in the high-budget film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, yet his contribution went largely unnoticed, as he did not receive credit in the film.
Elordi’s first appearance on screen occurred in the fifth installment of the popular franchise, which premiered on May 26, 2017. Set against a backdrop of adventure and intrigue, the film features the return of Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, who is pursued by Henry Turner, the son of Will and Elizabeth. Elordi was cast as a redcoat in an open call for extras, marking the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
From Extra to Leading Roles
Despite being nearly impossible to spot in the movie, Elordi has fond memories of his experience, describing it as “one of the best things I’ve ever done in my entire life.” While Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales received mixed reviews, it was notable for its lavish production and creative action sequences. The film’s budget was substantial, reflecting the franchise’s commitment to real sets and a large cast of extras, which added to the film’s dynamic feel.
The film’s narrative focuses on the Turner family, with Sparrow playing a supporting role, reminiscent of his early appearances in the series. This shift in focus allowed for a new generation of characters to emerge while still providing nods to the franchise’s storied history. Although the film grossed approximately $796 million worldwide, it did not achieve the financial success of its predecessor, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which surpassed $1 billion in global earnings. Following the mixed reception, immediate plans for a sequel were postponed, though discussions of future installments have surfaced in recent years.
Future Opportunities and Industry Impact
Elordi’s experience on Pirates of the Caribbean stands out, particularly as he has since gravitated towards smaller, independent films, such as Priscilla and Saltburn. However, his positive recollections of working on a blockbuster suggest that he may be open to returning to the franchise. With potential discussions of a new sequel and a rumored all-female spinoff featuring Margot Robbie, the prospects of Elordi joining the cast again remains an intriguing possibility.
As Disney continues to explore its live-action franchises, especially amidst fluctuating interest in recent Star Wars and Marvel projects, the addition of a rising star like Elordi could generate renewed excitement for the Pirates of the Caribbean series. While audience interest in future sequels remains uncertain, Elordi’s involvement could play a significant role in attracting fans and reinvigorating the franchise.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is currently available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S., allowing audiences to revisit the film that marked the early days of Jacob Elordi’s promising career.