Will Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise 2’ Lead to the Next ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Franchise?

There isn’t another franchise like Disney‘s Pirates of the Caribbean—savvy? However, the swashbuckler franchise could have opened the door for future thrill-ride-based films. Since the entertainment giant will revamp The Haunted Mansion, Disney might compare the success with Jungle Cruise 2.

The only question is, how can Jungle Cruise 2 create its own path to success?

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ became a huge Disney hit

In the early 2000s, Disney experimented with films based on its theme park rides. After The Country Bears movie failed, multiple household-named actors rejected Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, including Robert de Niro.

However, the large-budget flick skyrocketed to financial and critical success. Audiences eagerly watched the events between Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, Elizabeth Swan, and Captain Barbossa. Once Dead Man’s Chest premiered, a fan base had already grown. Viewers adored the comedic, romantic, and pirate-based storylines.

Soon, more Disney parks visitors enjoyed the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, and the studio produced several other movies.

But the franchise could have ground to a halt when Amber Heard sued Johnny Depp. Disney advanced with a sixth Pirates of the Caribbean film and a spinoff to potentially star Margot Robbie, but not Depp.

Fans of the swashbuckler hit fear the new installments without the iconic Jack Sparrow. Nevertheless, Disney has not scrapped its upcoming productions.

So how can Jungle Cruise set itself up for victory?

How Disney’s ‘Jungle Cruise 2’ could create its own franchise

Disney surprised viewers when it sent Jungle Cruise to digital streaming services one month after its theatrical release. However, the flick might reach its $200 million production budget this way. So when Disney confirmed a sequel, fans wondered if Jungle Cruise could be the next big hit.

Like Pirates with its all-star cast of Depp, Keira Knightley, and Orlando Bloom, Jungle Cruise features the famous Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt.

After Disneyland held a premiere near its Jungle Cruise attraction, its popularity increased similarly to the Pirates ride. Disney also promoted the attraction by having Blunt and Johnson ride it. In a production tweet, Disney said, “Presenting your #JungleCruise Skippers: Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.”

With the ongoing promotion, famous cast, and cinematic effects, Jungle Cruise could become a franchise of its own if it follows the formula of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Disney confirmed several sequel movies

Aside from Jungle Cruise 2, the Walt Disney Company has awarded its newest films with sequels.

Cruella reached theaters and Disney+ Premier Access on May 28, 2021. After a few months, the studio confirmed that Emma Stone signed onto a sequel.

However, Disney didn’t only find sequel success in 2021. The company announced it was developing a second film for Enchanted that would go straight to Disney+. Starring Amy Adams, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel, Disenchanted began production in mid-2021.

Not only was the 2007 movie high-fived with a sequel, the 2019 live-action Aladdin was too. However, the sequel will not be a direct remake of the animated The Return of Jafar. Instead, Aladdin 2 will have a different plot.

Ready or not, here comes Disney with its sequel rollout. If Jungle Cruise 2, Cruella 2, and Aladdin 2 excel, the studio could create multiple franchises.