"The Pirate": New Action Movie in Development with Jason Momoa and "Deadpool 2" Director

Brutal pirate action: Here's what we can expect from the upcoming film "The Pirate." According to industry magazine Deadline, the project is currently in development with Jason Momoa and "Deadpool 2" director David Leitch attached.

"The Pirate" is being described as "'The Raid' on a pirate ship", a concept that should have action fans excited. After all, both "The Raid" and its sequel are considered by many to be among the best action films of recent years.

Amazon MGM has reportedly secured the script from screenwriter Will Dunn. At the moment, Momoa and Leitch are on board as producers, but according to Deadline, Momoa could also star in the project once it officially gets the green light. Since the film is still in early development, David Leitch may also take the helm as director once production moves forward.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa rose to fame thanks to his role as Khal Drogo in the hit series "Game of Thrones." His big-screen breakthrough came with his portrayal of Aquaman in the DC Universe, where he starred in two solo films: "Aquaman" and its sequel, "Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom." More recently, he's been seen in "Fast X," "Dune," and "Minecraft: The Movie." Up next, he'll appear as Lobo in the upcoming "Supergirl" film starring Milly Alcock.

David Leitch

David Leitch is known for his stylish, high-energy action films. He co-directed the first "John Wick" movie before going on to deliver hits like "Atomic Blonde" with Charlize Theron and "Deadpool 2." Leitch also directed "Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw" and "Bullet Train" starring Brad Pitt. Most recently, he wrapped "The Fall Guy," starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt.

With "The Pirate," Leitch and Momoa are diving into a relatively untapped setting, pirate films outside of "Pirates of the Caribbean" are still a rarity in today's mainstream cinema. When we'll actually get to see the finished product, however, remains unclear at this early stage.

Pirate films

Despite being a relatively small genre, pirate films and series have shown a surprising amount of variety, from swashbuckling adventures to politically charged dramas and even family-friendly comedies. Of course, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise remains the most famous example, but there have been several other notable contributions to the genre over the years.

Treasure Island

One of the greatest classics is, of course, "Treasure Island." Robert Louis Stevenson's novel has been adapted countless times, including the 1950 film, a 1990s version starring Charlton Heston, and reimagined takes like the animated feature "Treasure Planet." The story of young Jim Hawkins, who embarks on a dangerous journey after discovering a mysterious treasure map, leading him to the infamous Long John Silver, has served as the foundation for many pirate tales.

Black Sails

The American network Starz took a darker and more grounded approach to the genre with its series "Black Sails." Acting as a prequel to "Treasure Island," the show explores the backstory of Captain Flint alongside a mix of historical and fictional pirates. Unlike classic pirate films, "Black Sails" places a strong emphasis on political intrigue, economic struggles, and moral ambiguity. Thanks to its high production values, complex characters, and rich storytelling, the series earned widespread critical acclaim and developed a dedicated fan base.

The Crimson Pirate

One of Hollywood's most iconic classic pirate films is "The Crimson Pirate," starring Burt Lancaster. The movie combines daring stunts, witty dialogue, and lavish sets in a fun and adventurous story about a charming pirate battling oppressive forces. A perfect example of Golden Age Hollywood, the film is known for its spectacular visuals, classic good-vs-evil narrative, and the charisma of its lead actor. "The Crimson Pirate" became a landmark for the genre and influenced many later productions.

Pirates of the Caribbean

And, of course, no discussion of pirate films would be complete without mentioning the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise. Few modern series have shaped the genre as much as this Disney-produced phenomenon, inspired by the famous theme park attraction. At the center is the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), whose unpredictable antics and sarcastic wit made him one of the most iconic characters in cinema.

The franchise blends classic pirate tropes with supernatural elements: undead pirates, sea monsters, magical artifacts, and epic naval battles all play central roles. Across five films, the series introduced new characters and storylines, and while the later entries received mixed reactions, the franchise remains a milestone that revitalized the genre for a new generation. And the saga isn't over yet — a new installment is already in development. All the latest details and theories can be found in our upcoming film preview!