Pirates of the Caribbean 5 Ending and Post-Credits Scene Explained

It’s once again ‘a pirate’s life’ for audiences, as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales sails into theaters everywhere. While Pirates 5 isn’t the best installment in the franchise, it certainly does enough to propel the series towards another sequel (or two) – and a lot of that momentum comes from how Dead Men Tell No Tales ends, and the post-credit scene that moves the story forward towards its next chapter.

However, with so muchPirates mythology being mined to create the big twists and final turns of Dead Men Tell No Tales, it may be hard for some viewers to fully comprehend what the film’s ending and post-credit scene mean for franchise. Not to worry, though: that’s where we come in.

Here isPirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales‘ ending and post-credit scene explained. Obviously, MAJOR SPOILERS FOLLOW – so don’t read on unless you’ve seen the film first!

Curses Broken

The entire plot of Dead Me Tell No Tales revolved around breaking all of the curses of the sea. Henry wanted to do this so he could free his father, Will Turner, and Salazar needed to break his curse, so he could walk on land and kill Jack Sparrow.

The curses were all broken when the Trident of Poseidon was shattered. The undead crew of Captain Salazar reverted back to their human forms, thus ending their struggle. However, that didn’t last long, as the Spaniard was killed a few minutes later.

This action also meant the fate of Will Turner was reversed, and he could leave the Flying Dutchman, and rejoin the land of the living. 

If you were hoping to see Will back in a future movie, this helps make that possible.

Family Reunited

Henry and Carina ended the film on a grassy hill, similar to the one that Will and Elizabeth met on in the post-credits scene from At World’s end.

As they talked about their relationship, and finally decided they wanted to be together, the duo looked out to the sea. Will Turner walks up the hill, embraces his son, and it seems like everyone is together again.

However, there was still one key character missing. 

Just when you think everything is over, Elizabeth comes walking over the crest of the hill, and meets eyes with Will. The two embrace, and everyone leaves happy.

This ending was a move to bring the franchise back to its roots. The notions of love and family are evident in the lives of these characters, while Jack is nowhere to be found. That’s because, no matter how much he may appreciate the other characters, his true love is the sea.

Which Brings Us To Jack

Just like in the ending of Curse of the Black Pearl, Jack Sparrow is sailing out into uncharted waters. if you noticed, his final words were actually a major nod to the first movie.

Jack said he had his eye on something “beyond the horizon”. If you recall, his goals were much smaller in the original film. His closing line, before singing the iconic pirate song, simply stated, “Bring me that horizon.”

What’s next for Jack is unclear, but this ending served as an easy way to usher in the next movie. He’s off on some kind of mission, chasing down some odd treasure, and that’s exactly where he’ll always be.

The Post-Credits Scene

The Pirates franchise is well-known for its post-credits scenes, and Dead Men Tell No Tales is no different. Honestly, this was quite possibly the most important and jaw-dropping credits scene of them all.

As Will and Elizabeth lay in bed, both fast asleep, the door to their room creeps open. Whoever is entering is very loud, and you’ve got the feeling something dangerous is coming. 

The intruder comes closer to the bed, and a shadow fills up the room. If you’re familiar with the Pirates films, you’ll know that this shadow was that of the Flying Dutchman’s former captain, Davy Jones. 

Will woke up, and no one was there, disappointing the audience. However, as he went back to sleep and the camera panned down to the floor, a couple of small trinkets from Davy’s attire were left behind. Davy Jones was really there.

This scene helps set up for another movie in a very big way. If Davy is back, he will want revenge on Jack and Will. The main characters will seriously have to watch their backs.