July 9: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Milestone Years

• 25th Anniversary: July 9, 2028
• 30th Anniversary: July 9, 2033
• 50th Anniversary: July 9, 2053

Inspiration Behind the Movie

The film was inspired by the iconic Disneyland ride “Pirates of the Caribbean,” combining classic pirate lore with supernatural elements. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski wanted to craft an epic adventure with a modern edge, while still honoring the ride’s fun and spooky vibe. The film sparked a successful franchise despite skepticism about ride-based movies.

You Might Not Know

• Johnny Depp based Jack Sparrow’s mannerisms on Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones.
• Disney originally thought Depp’s portrayal was too odd and considered firing him.
• The movie was the first PG-13 release under the Walt Disney Pictures banner.
• ILM used over 300 visual effects shots, especially for the skeletal pirates.
• Geoffrey Rush insisted his character always appear on the left side of the frame for superstition.

Food Ideas

• Rum-glazed barbecue ribs
• Tropical fruit skewers with coconut dip
• Hardtack-inspired sea biscuits (sweetened version)
• “Black Pearl” chocolate truffles
• Pirate punch with pineapple and lime

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a pirate costume party while watching the movie
• Create treasure maps and organize a backyard treasure hunt
• Serve pirate-themed snacks and tropical drinks
• Make DIY pirate hats and eyepatches
• Play pirate-themed board games or trivia

Filming Locations

Filming took place in the Caribbean, primarily in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The tropical setting added realism to the swashbuckling action. Some scenes were also shot on soundstages in Los Angeles. Today, fans can visit Wallilabou Bay, which still retains some of the set structures used in the film.