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Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg!

May 31, 2017 By Ashley 36 Comments

It was exciting sit down for an exclusive interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg! These guys took the helm for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and brought a freshness to the franchise we all know and love. I feel they made this movie with the fans in mind. Making it something we will all want to watch again and again. 

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

Joachim and Espen wanted this film from the moment they heard it was being developed. Pirates reminded them of the movies that inspired them to become filmmakers in the first place.

Espen: We chased it. We really wanted to make this movie. I think the basic reason is, Joachim and I started making movies together when we were 10. Movies that inspired us back then were the Spielberg, Lucas films, and this franchise just reminds us of that. It has that unique blend of spectacle, humor, scary parts, and also a lot of heart.
Joachim: We both have kids. That was also a big part of why we wanted to do this. It is something they can relate to and be a part of. (We wanted) to make something that we saw ourselves in when we were kids and to make something for our kids.

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

The effects for the ghosts are pretty amazing. Who thought up the sharks?

Joachim: It was in the script. Huge inspiration. (Laughter) The look of the ghosts is something we did together with Javier Bardem, production designers, and the VFX supervisors. Going in and trying to find what can give a ghostly appearance without losing the actors. 

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

On working together as co-directors:

Joachim: We only work every other day. (Laughter)
Espen: It's very easy. (Laughter)
Joachim: We don't really know another way of doing this. For us it's a very natural process, a collaborative one. We include the actors, the crew, everyone is a part of the discussion. We try to create a safe work environment, where every idea is welcome. That's important to us. 

How did you guys meet?

Espen: Through dance. (Laughter) No really. We were breakdancers. (Laughter) 

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

No they did not show us any of their dance moves. But maybe we can convince them if there is a Pirates 6. Just saying!

On the journey of making Pirates:

Joachim: This has been a very long journey for us. Almost four years we have been working on this movie. Which is long even for big movies. One of the things we had the most versions of, was Jack Sparrow's backstory. We had 10/15 versions of that and it was a long a grueling process. The mythology of Pirates of the Caribbean, it is a complex mythology. There are a lot of fans out there that know everything. (Laughter) It was important for us to be ahead of that and not mess with any previous backstories.
Espen: We also wanted to blend that backstory of Jack with Salazar's, so that their relationship and the revenge story became personal.

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

In Dead Men Tell No Tales, we see what Jack was like as a boy, but it was not the same process that was used for Princess Leia in Rogue One.  

Joachim: The “youthification” that we call it. I've been misquoted in some newspapers saying “beautification”, it's “youthification” (Laughter). We shot it with Johnny, then spent the year in the computer.
Espen: Now he can do 21 Jump Street again. (Laughter)
Joachim: He was thrilled when he saw the results. 

What is it like working with Johnny Depp?

Espen: It's amazing. He's so funny. What you see with Jack Sparrow, it's all Johnny. He's a genius. For us he is up there with Chaplin because his timing is just perfect and he has such a weird imagination. He comes up with the craziest ideas.
The highlight was going into his trailer each morning and going through the scenes and the lines trying to come up with even more cool stuff to do to make it even more funny. Of course when we started shooting he would do something completely different. (Laughter) That makes it come alive.

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

Not only are they brilliant, Academy nominated filmmakers, but they are also Pirates fans. I think that brought a new level of connectivity for the audience and inspiration for the film itself. 

Joachim: The origin story in the movie came from us. That is something we wanted to explore. As fans of the franchise ourselves, we were curious about Jack Sparrow. Disney liked it, Bruckheimer, and Johnny liked it too.
He was a little bit more reserved because he is very protective of this character. He (Jack Sparrow) is a tricky movie character because he doesn't really have the character arc. He learns nothing (Laughter), he's not richer for the experience. (Laughter) He (Johnny) was very curious where we would go with it (the backstory). When we presented it, he really embraced it and that was cool. That was a big part of what we brought to get the job in the first place. 

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

Will these Pirates fans be back if there is another film? 

Joachim: I hope so! (Laughter)
Espen: We are fans of the franchise so we certainly hope that it continues. Crossing fingers.

Interview with Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg

What do you want people to walk away with from this film?

Joachim: Something that was very important for us was the emotional core of the story, the family theme that the film has. Treasure is not always a chest of gold it can be other things even for a pirate. We were inspired by the first movie in the series that had a big heart. Then of course you have the adventure, scares, and comedy. I hope that the audience will be moved by it as well.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is in theaters everywhere!

Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales

I was invited by Disney for a special press trip to share my experience of Pirates with my readers. All opinions are my own. Interview photos courtesy of Louise of MomStart.com

Filed Under: Disney, Disney Movie, Interviews Tagged With: #PiratesLifeEvent, Disney, Disney movies, Espen Sandberg, interview, Joachim Ronning, Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for robin ruerobin rue

    May 31, 2017 at 9:46 am

    What a great interview. I am looking forward to seeing this movie.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Jessica TaylorJessica Taylor

    May 31, 2017 at 10:08 am

    Great interview! I haven’t seen it yet, but I can’t wait until we do! It looks awesome! !!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for ShannonShannon

    May 31, 2017 at 10:49 am

    I love the Pirate’s series! It’s super cool that you were able to interview with the Directors. I enjoyed learning more about the movie from their point of view.

    Reply
  4. Avatar for Rebecca BryantRebecca Bryant

    May 31, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    I was very impI am all for more pirates movies.ressed with the story line they came up with. It was so cool seeing how Jack became Captain Jack. I am all for move pirate movies.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for CathyCathy

    May 31, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    What a great interview! This film sounds like it could the best one of the series so far and my guys can’t wait to see it!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for Milton GohMilton Goh

    May 31, 2017 at 1:35 pm

    Wow having just watched the movie, it’s really awesome to read this interview! I loved Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. Avatar for Enricoh AlfonzoEnricoh Alfonzo

    May 31, 2017 at 2:02 pm

    after reading this i’m even more and more excited to watch this movie. it was great get to know more about the movie and what to expect

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Amber MyersAmber Myers

    May 31, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    This would be so neat to hear him speak! I’ll be seeing this movie at some point. There are some great actors in it.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Kimberly C.Kimberly C.

    May 31, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    The brilliance behind these movies and the talent of the actors makes this family movie perfection! The kids love it, the parents love it, and it has something for everyone I think! I love how the directors are parents and really understand the magic that is needed for this mix!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Heather LawrenceHeather Lawrence

    May 31, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    What a great interview! We have been waiting to see this movie and hopefully, we can sneak off this weekend and indulge. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  11. Avatar for NellwynNellwyn

    May 31, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    I loved the Pirates series as a teenager! It must have been so fun to sit down and chat to these directors!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for Liz MaysLiz Mays

    May 31, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    Working on this addition to the series must have been a fun new project for them. It’s amazing that they’ve been working together so long!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Ana De- JesusAna De- Jesus

    May 31, 2017 at 6:19 pm

    I kinda wish that they did show you their moves, it would have been cool to see them breakdance. I think they come across as really likeable x

    Reply
  14. Avatar for MilenaMilena

    May 31, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    Seriously? They were breakdancers? Now that’s something I’m going to think about when I go see this film! LOL! That’s great!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for reesareesa

    May 31, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    We are so excited to see the movie! What a great interview!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for JenniferJennifer

    May 31, 2017 at 9:59 pm

    This sounds like such a fun opportunity. I can’t wait to see this movie. I think I may be a pirate movie behind though.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for EmilyEmily

    May 31, 2017 at 11:31 pm

    I am so excited for this movie! I have loved all of the movies from this franchise and am always so engrossed in the story.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for KristinKristin

    May 31, 2017 at 11:48 pm

    How cool you got to see them! This movie looks so fun!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Carol BryantCarol Bryant

    June 1, 2017 at 1:13 am

    What a fun interview and it sounds like a fab movie. I am sure this is going to be a blockbuster hit this summer. Go Johnny Depp, go!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for ShirleyShirley

    June 1, 2017 at 3:29 am

    This is such a great interview. I am so excited to see the movie. It is fun time for whole of the family.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for David ElliottDavid Elliott

    June 1, 2017 at 3:52 am

    I always like to pick the directors brains and see what they were thinking. I think I still would after watching this film and ask why them made some of the choices that they did. Who knows? But it’s a great interview. And thanks!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for ElizabethElizabeth

    June 1, 2017 at 3:56 am

    What a fantastic job these men have (and do!). It must be quite amazing to work on such a huge project!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Elizabeth O.Elizabeth O.

    June 1, 2017 at 11:30 am

    What a lovely opportunity for fans of the franchise. I think it’s pretty cool that you got to interview them! I can’t wait to see the movie.

    Reply
  24. Avatar for JackieJackie

    June 1, 2017 at 11:42 am

    This looks like such a cool interview and so lucky you got to go to something like this. It must be so cool and something that would be fun to attend.

    Reply
  25. Avatar for JasmineJasmine

    June 1, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    What an awesome opportunity for you! I know I would jump at the chance to interview the brains behind all those amazing Pirates movies!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for KristinKristin

    June 1, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    That must have been such a cool experience! We can’t wait to see this movie. They’re the best!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Tiffany MeiterTiffany Meiter

    June 1, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    How amazing of a process! I can only imagine some of the things that can just randomly happen and be an unexpected adventure

    Reply
  28. Avatar for ChemadyChemady

    June 1, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    Due to the way people have been talking about the movie I have to see it soon, I heard it involves moral values and great lesson to know about.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for JenellBStewartJenellBStewart

    June 1, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    I can only imagine how fun it is to work with Johny Depp! I can’t wait to see this movie.

    Reply
  30. Avatar for LouiseLouise

    June 1, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    These interviews have all been SO good. They’ve got me really excited about seeing the new Pirates movie ๐Ÿ™‚

    Louise x

    Reply
  31. Avatar for Amanda TentoAmanda Tento

    June 2, 2017 at 12:50 am

    I am soooo looking forward to seeing this! It is awesome you got to interview them too. I am looking forward to it even more than I was before reading this!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Cristina LeauCristina Leau

    June 2, 2017 at 2:53 am

    Wow. I saw the movie. It was good. Like to read those kind of interview.

    Reply
  33. Avatar for PeachyPeachy

    June 3, 2017 at 2:08 am

    Oh wow! It must eb very exciting to be able to interview the directors of Pirates of The Carribean. We haven’t seen the movie yet but we are so excited.

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Blair villanuevaBlair villanueva

    June 5, 2017 at 7:25 am

    Congratulations for this interview! He is a great director and made Pirates of the Caribbean more enjoyable to watch.

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Lynnette JosellyLynnette Joselly

    June 5, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    Oh wow what a great interview! I bet their kids think they are extra cool parents now for being a part of such a legendary movie series. I’ve seen the trailers and the effects look niiiceeee, can’t wait to see this movie in theaters!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for Iris PulgaIris Pulga

    June 5, 2017 at 7:08 pm

    My girls watched this last week and they won’t stop talking about the movie and gushing about their favorite scenes!

    Reply

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Avatar for Iris PulgaAshley Saunders is a movie critic, writer, podcaster, and gamer from the Washington DC area who is always ready to travel.
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