The first film’s success led to the fast tracking of a pair of sequels, and according to director Gore Verbinski, making those movies was something akin to being on an out of control theme park attraction in itself.
The first movie, The Curse of the Black Pearl was something of a surprise hit, considering it was both a pirate movie and a film based on a theme park attraction.
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is one of the most successful live-action properties that Disney has ever produced.