After Tron: Ares failed to kickstart a new era of Tron for Disney, the studio needs to bring back one of its most successful franchises if it wants to regain a specific audience. In August, Variety reported that Disney was searching for a new franchise that would win back Gen Z male audiences as they start to move away from Marvel.

Indiana Jones failed to attract a large enough audience, and animated fare like Inside Out or Zootopia is too kid-friendly to appeal to an adult-male audience, despite the box office draw. Tron: Ares could have been Disney’s next big winner with young adult men, but it didn’t draw enough interest, grossing $60.2 million worldwide in its opening weekend.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ares “badly underindexed” among adults ages 18-24. One Disney franchise that’s a huge hit with young men is Pirates of the Caribbean, but there hasn’t been another entry in that franchise since 2017. If Disney wants to win back Gen Z men after Tron 3 flopped, Pirates would be the best option.

Pirates of the Caribbean Is Disney’s Best Chance At Winning Back Gen Z Male Audiences After Tron: Ares

Pirates of the Caribbean is a franchise that appeals to any demographic, but it primarily is geared towards a male audience. Pirates and action typically appeal more to men, and these films are defined by these two traits. Still, any casual filmgoer will likely find much to enjoy about the Pirate franchise, which is why they’ve been so successful.

Based on the classic ride found at Disney Parks around the world, the franchise started with 2003’s Curse of the Black Pearl. It was a hit with critics and audiences, delivering a swashbuckling and mythical pirate adventure. However, Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow stole the film and instantly became one of Hollywood’s most iconic characters.

The film’s success led to an initial trilogy, all directed by Gore Verbinski. The first film grossed over $654 million worldwide, and the 2006 sequel, ᴅᴇᴀᴅ Man’s Chest, performed even better, earning over $1 billion. At World’s End also performed well, but came shy of the $1 billion mark with $961.7 million.

While At World’s End closed out the trilogy, Disney didn’t wait long to capitalize on the franchise’s success. The fourth film, On Stranger Tides, brought Jack back and earned another $1 billion for the series. The final film, ᴅᴇᴀᴅ Men Tell No Tales, did experience a drop at the box office, but was still a hit, earning $795 million.

Despite the mixed reviews for the Pirates sequels, the franchise remained reliable at the box office. However, the fifth film’s drop did signal that it may be time to hang up the captain’s hat for a while. Eight years later, there is more demand for a sixth film, especially after Johnny Depp won his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.

After Tron: Ares flopped, Disney needs to ramp up progress on a new film, as it’s now the studios’ best chance at winning back Gen Z men. Gen Z grew up with this franchise, so there is plenty of nostalgia for the franchise’s characters, music, and tropical destinations. If Depp is willing to return, audiences would as well.

It’s also one of Disney’s most recognizable brands, and still draws crowds who visit the parks. Disney loves taking advantage of its nostalgia, and it’s been long enough since the last Pirates movie. Audiences are ready to head back out to sea.

What’s Happening With Pirates 6?

There are currently two Pirates films in development, but it’s unclear what the direction is. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer has said that they are working on two films: a reboot and a film starring Margot Robbie. Speaking with The Wrap earlier this month, the long-time producer said Robbie is “still involved” with her film, and they are working on a script for the other.

“We’re working on a script. It’s always on the page; if we don’t have it on the page, it’s not gonna get on the screen. We had two scripts at one point, and then one kinda dropped out, and then we kinda went on with the other one.”

For the reboot, it’s unclear whether this will be a new story or if it will continue the franchise’s main narrative. Depp is not confirmed to be returning, and his status is uncertain after Disney cut ties with the actor during his legal troubles. However, Bruckheimer told Entertainment Weekly that he believes Depp will return if the script is right.

“If he likes the way the part’s written, I think he would do it, It’s all about what’s on the page, as we all know… We are still working on a screenplay. We want to make it. We just got to get the right screenplay. We haven’t quite gotten there yet, but we’re close.”

As for the other cast members, Orlando Bloom told ScreenRant he’d “personally love to see everybody back,” while Keira Knightley told People she thinks her “pirating days are over.” At the moment, the franchise is currently going in multiple directions, but Disney needs to get it on track soon after Tron: Ares proved the studio needs Pirates more than ever.