How POTC’s Original Norrington Plan Would’ve Changed Black Pearl’s Ending

The original plan for Norrington (Jack Davenport) in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl would have significantly changed the film’s ending. Disney’s 2003 swashbuckling blockbuster was a massive success, creating a roster of memorable, tragic characters whose stories span multiple films. However, some characters underwent considerable changes from script to screen.

Commodore James Norrington is initially a secondary antagonist in Pirates of the Caribbean, self-righteous and rigid in his views on law and order. Although he deeply loves Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and sets out to rescue her in the first film, he hopelessly competes against dashing rival Will Turner (Orlando Bloom). He ultimately helps the heroes defeat the Black Pearl’s cursed crew. He both accepts Will and Elizabeth’s love despite the former’s crimes and allows Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) a head start in his escape from Port Royal.

These actions later come back to haunt him, setting Norrington up for a redemption arc. However, the first draft of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the BlackPearl’s script changes his characterization, making for a weaker climax that’s also entirely at odds with his established personality. He originally made some very questionable decisions that would have downplayed the film’s emotional stakes and likely would have harmed his compelling story in the sequels.

After rescuing the marooned Elizabeth and Jack, Norrington is stunned when Elizabeth agrees to accept his marriage proposal on the condition that he helps her save Will at Isla de Muerta, a place also found on the Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland ride. In Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, this is the sole reason for Norrington sailing the Dauntless into battle. However, the first draft softens him far earlier in the trilogy’s story, as he immediately revokes his proposal upon realizing that Elizabeth truly loves Will. It may be a touching gesture, but his decision to risk his marines’ lives to help his rival, who engaged in piracy, out of the goodness of his heart doesn’t feel organic, and it undermines Elizabeth’s sacrifice. This would have changed the climactic battle, simplifying the characters’ internal struggle and lessening Jack’s manipulation of the situation to his advantage. He would not have pressured Norrington about the safety of the “future Mrs. Commodore” and then callously revealed the news to Will, which crucially aids his devious ruse in front of the cursed pirates.

James Norrington’s story and his brief engagement to Elizabeth lends greater conflict to the final film’s climax, making their victory bittersweet. The original plan depicts a happier reunion where Will and Elizabeth kiss in front of Norrington, and not the solemn realization that they can’t be together. The ensuing gallows sequence also lacks sufficient tension, with Will nonsensically facing execution, whereas the final film sees Will save Jack, partially because he has nothing left to lose. The original plan has no onscreen escape, but rather Jack is revealed to have been mysteriously freed from his cell, while Norrington cheekily twirls a key. For him to happily release Jack is distinctly out of character. The moment is too jovial, with nothing beforehand to suggest Norrington admires Jack and would care to give him an advantage before his planned pursuit. The actual conclusion to the first and best Pirates of the Caribbean is more realistic, with Norrington too heartbroken after losing his fiancée to immediately go after Jack.

If the original plan remained intact, Norrington wouldn’t be as bitter in the sequels. Freeing Jack gives him less cause for hatred upon eventually losing his job, and he voluntarily rescinds his proposal, therefore he cannot rightfully resent Will for stealing Elizabeth. In Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’s first draft, Norrington’s changes of heart come all too suddenly and would have undermined his gradual evolution and noble sacrifice in the third film.

About The Author