Can Davy Jones Return to the Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise? Details Explored

Characters who have lived beyond death are not unknown to Pirates of the Caribbean, and with Disney considering what future holds for its franchise, fans are wondering if its notorious villain Davy Jones can return?

Despite Davy Jones being one of the most iconic and frightening villains to have ever graced the screen, perhaps there is more to his story. Though his seemingly death in At World's End was seemed like it would be the last, the final scene from Dead Men Tell No Tales teases otherwise. The article continues on to explore what that might bode for his place within the film series going forward.

Davy Jones’ Fate So Far

Davy Jones, who was brought to life by Bill Nighy, appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest as the tentacled captain of the Flying Dutchman. In a vow to the sea goddess Calypso, whom he adored so passionately, Davy was forced to take the souls of the deceased lost at sea. However, after a seeming betrayal, Jones abandoned his duties and returned to the Seven Seas as a terrifying force—ruthless, tormented, and driven by guilt for what he had done to his love. 

Jones recruited dying sailors by promising them an escape from death in exchange for 100 years of service aboard the Dutchman. During this time, he also comes to command the Kraken, a feared mythological sea monster.

His character arc reached its end in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End when Will pierced his heart which was concealed in a box and assumed his role aboard the Dutchman, effectively ending Jones' rule for all eternity.

However, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, which was a standalone sequel six years down the line, threw in an unexpected spin. In the post-credit scene of the film, there is a dark figure looming over sleeping Will and Elizabeth. Will wakes up from his dream upon encountering Jones' crabby claws, only to find no one there.

But later, the camera pans to show barnacles and seawater on the floor, implying that Davy Jones may have somehow returned from the deep.

This brief moment has sparked many speculations over the years, such as, did the character survive? Has the Dutchman’s curse revived him? Or is something even darker at play?

Could He Return in a Future Film?

The Pirates of the Caribbean series has long walked along the threshold of life and death and magic. Such flexibility makes Davy Jones an ideal choice to make a comeback, particularly with Disney supposedly working on a reboot as well as a sequel concurrently. Although information is limited at this stage, returning a familiar face like Jones provides a sense of narrative cohesion while appeasing long-term audiences.

Another major argument in his favor is demand from the fans. Even though he made appearances in only two main films, Davy Jones ranks among the best villains of the franchise consistently. His eerie design, sad history, and commanding presence left a definitive mark that Disney might capitalize on in their return to their Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, all these years later.

But Bill Nighy's return as the notorious villain is still questionable. The British actor wasn't even told that his character would be seen in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. Bill explained that he learned about the post-credit scene with Davy Jones from a cab driver after the movie had already been released. If the character shows up in any other future franchise project, it might be interesting to know who would be playing the role.

Beyond that, whether he becomes a resuscitated menace or a component of a darker mythological arc, there's storytelling to support his comeback—particularly given the series' supernatural origins.

Where to Watch the Pirates of the Caribbean Films

If you’re looking to revisit Davy Jones’ legacy in the film franchise; all Pirates of the Caribbean movies are available to stream on Disney+. This includes Dead Man’s Chest and At World's End where his storyline takes center stage. However interested viewers will require an appropriate subscription to the streaming platform to view them. The films can also be rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube Movies.

Whether you're a seasoned fan or a new watcher, now is the perfect time to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean series again—and perhaps notice hints you didn't catch about the future of Davy Jones.