'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' release date news update: Upcoming sequel in mid-2016 might be a reboot?

According to the latest rumors, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" is set to premiere in the middle of 2016, introducing new faces in the popular movie franchise. The upcoming movie may also act as a reboot for the film series due to a number of changes in both the theme and cast members.

There have been very limited details regarding the plot and cast members of Disney's much-anticipated movie offering next year. The fifth installment of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film franchise will once again star Johnny Depp in the lead role of Captain Jack Sparrow. As usual for every "Pirates" film, Jack Sparrow will meet new adversaries along the way as he searches across the seas for treasures and glory.

Interestingly, according to a recent rumor, "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" will not only be an ordinary sequel that will directly pick up right after the events of 2011's "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." It is expected that the next installment will also serve as a reboot for the franchise, trying to bring back the same theme that was introduced in the very first film of the series 13 years back, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl." Aside from the theme going back to mysterious treasure chests and ghost ships, the upcoming "Pirates" movie will introduce new faces, specifically young actors, so that the franchise will extend its appeal to the younger audience.

So far, "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" has reportedly cast newcomer actors such as Kaya Scodelario that is expected to be the movie's new female protagonist. The name of the new female lead is Carina Smyth, an astronomer that may find herself involved with the charismatic Captain Jack Sparrow. However, it is not confirmed whether Carina will be the new love interest of Depp's character, Christian Daily reported.

Henry, the seven-year-old son of Captain Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) introduced in the final scene of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" will be shown as a grown-up man in the upcoming sequel. The actor that will play the role is the "Oculus" and "The Giver" lead star, Brenton Thwaites. Furthermore, Thwaites' role is rumored to be centered on father and son relationship, where Will tries to reconnect with his son.

Along with Depp and Bloom, Geoffrey Rush and Javier Bardem will reprise their roles in the previous movies.