After 5 movies and several unforgettable characters, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise concluded back in 2017. Spanning over 14 years, the movies have seen many pirates come and go, with eccentric Captain Jack remaining at the heart of it all. His charming demeanor was established instantly and his love for the sea was present right until the end.
Fans have watched these beloved characters from day one and have witnessed the development from their first to their final moments. From Henry’s determination to Gibbs’ superstitious mind, the character’s first and last lines are ones to remember.
Henry Turner
First: "Father?"
Last: "Let Me Tell You A Tale. A Tale Of The Greatest Treasure Known To Man."
There is an instant parallel between Will and Henry as both their first lines come when they are children. Determined to find his father and tell him about the trident, Henry descends to the ocean floor. When the Flying Dutchman rises beneath his feet, Henry realizes he is on his father’s ship and calls for him.
After successfully finding the trident and breaking Will’s curse, Henry’s last heard speaking to Will. His last line is a fitting end for his character and brings him full circle, now knowing the trident is more than a simple tale.
Carina Smyth Barbossa
First: "I Confess That I'm Not A Witch, That I Am A Woman Of Science."
Last: "Slightly In Error. Although..."
As an established woman of science, Carina’s first line in Pirates of the Caribbean sums up her personality perfectly. Arrested for being a witch, Carina is behind bars and in the company of a priest. He attempts to get her to confess to witchcraft, however, the strong-minded astronomer is having none of it.
Throughout the movie, Carina’s stubbornness is frequently displayed and ever-present within her last line. As she believes Henry could still be a ghost, she slaps him. Refusing to fully admit that she was wrong, she calls it being slightly in error. Before she can continue, Henry kisses her and accepts her "apology."
Cutler Beckett
First: "Governor Weatherby Swann, It's Been Too Long."
Last: "It's Just... Good Business."
When Will and Elizabeth’s wedding is ruined, nothing is known about the man behind it. His first line only suggests that he’s had affiliations with Elizabeth’s father in the past and also indicates that he is high in rank.
It’s hard to find a line as satisfactory as Beckett’s last. After going back on his deal with Jack, Beckett intends to attack, saying it’s just good business. Little does he know that Jack has the upper hand. When the Pearl and the Dutchman come together, Beckett realizes he has lost the war and cowardly utters these words for the final time.
James Norrington
First: "Mr. Gibbs, That Will Do."
Last: "Belay That!"
Norrington’s first line is at the beginning of the movie and immediately demonstrates his authority. After hearing Elizabeth singing about pirates, Gibbs warns her that it could have terrible consequences. Understanding that this is a lot for a young girl to take in, Norrington warns Gibbs to stop talking.
Upon realizing that Norrington has allowed prisoners to escape the Flying Dutchman, Bootstrap begins alerting the crew. Enraged, Norrington tells him to take it back. This is said moments before he is sadly killed by a delusional Bootstrap.
Davy Jones
First: "Do You Fear Death?"
Last: "Calypso."
Davy Jones was a dark and sadistic pirate who made it his mission to inject fear into people. In Dead Man’s Chest, he is first seen trying to convince survivors to join his crew. Knowing they are either about to sacrifice their soul or die, he taunts them by asking if they fear death.
Seconds after his heart is stabbed, the evilest POTC villain knew his time was up. In a dazed moment, he looks up to the sky and utters “Calypso" before falling into the maelstrom. Even on the brink of death, his final word acknowledges that he will always have a deep love for the sea goddess.
Joshamee Gibbs
First: "Quiet, Missy. Cursed Pirates Sail These Waters. You Don't Want To Bring Them Down On Us Now, Do You?"
Last: "Aye, Aye, Captain."
Originally a sailor, Gibbs is horrified when he hears Elizabeth singing about pirates. He startles her and warns her that the ramifications could be dangerous. Gibbs’ superstitious nature is displayed immediately and despite leaving his life as a sailor, his superstitious outlook always remained the same.
After successfully finding the trident, Jack tells Gibbs they are to follow the stars. Gibbs is more than happy to oblige, and he is last heard happily accepting his captain’s command. This final line is perfect for his Gibbs and highlights how turning pirate was his best decision in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Hector Barbossa
First: "And Ye Will Not Lay A Hand On Those Under The Protection Of Parley."
Last: "Hold On."
The Pirate’s Code is something most pirates swear by. When Elizabeth is brought onto the Pearl and invokes the right of parley, Bo’sun slaps her. Barbossa grabs his hand and proceeds to say his first line, displaying his respect for the Pirate’s code.
One of the saddest moments in the entire Pirates of the Caribbean franchise comes as one of the best pirates says his final words. Barbossa warns Carina to hold on, ensuring no harm comes to her. He utters his last line seconds before he sacrifices himself, taking Salazar with him to the bottom of the ocean.
Will Turner
First: "Will Turner."
Last: "That's A Tale I Wanna Hear."
As a child, Will is seen floating in the sea and is rescued. Elizabeth is tasked with looking after him and introduces herself which prompts Will to do the same. At this point, no one knows the significance his name will eventually have.
Although Will repeatedly told Henry to give up on him, Henry refused and successfully broke his father’s curse. As he steps on land for the first time in years, Will is in disbelief at how Henry was able to break his curse and is more than happy to hear how he did it.
Elizabeth Swann
First: "Drink Up, Me Hearties, Yo Ho"
Last: "Will!"
From a young age, Elizabeth always had a fascination with pirates (one of the things Pirates of the Caribbean fans missed most about her character in the later chapters), and this is demonstrated through her first line. Unaware of the life she will eventually lead, Elizabeth is happily singing to herself onboard the HMS Dauntless.
People often questioned whether Elizabeth’s love for Will was genuine, however, her last line answers this. After spending one day together on land, Elizabeth is heartbroken to see Will leave and calls his name for one last embrace. Despite featuring briefly in the fifth movie, her final line comes in At World’s End.
Jack Sparrow
First: "What Do You Say To Three Shillings, And We Forget The Name?"
Last: "I Have A Rendezvous Beyond My Beloved Horizon."
When Jack is first introduced, he tries to avoid unwanted attention and does so by not giving away his name. Having the ability to get people to do what he wants is a quality Jack displays from the get-go, alongside his knack for improvisation.
After successfully finding the trident, Jack is back with his crew on the Black Pearl, as Captain once again. Ready for another adventure, Jack gets ready to set sail, this time beyond the horizon. Jack makes it clear that his first and only love is the sea, therefore his final line encapsulates him perfectly.