Hayley Kiyoko Pitched Queer Pirates Film

The artist proposed a new version of the franchise during a panel discussion held in Beverly Hills.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in LGBTQand

Gouache-painted illustration of a brass nautical sextant on a marble surface, symbolizing the creative process of film adaptation. — Artist and director Hayley Kiyoko proposed a queer-themed reimagining of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise during a panel held in Beverly Hills. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hayley Kiyoko expressed interest in creating a queer version of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. She shared the idea during a Saving Queer Media panel event held to benefit the Los Angeles-based LGBTQ+ film festival Outfest.

Why it matters

The discussion highlighted potential new directions for queer storytelling in Hollywood as creators look for ways to adapt established narratives for underrepresented audiences. Prominent filmmakers at the event also shared updates on their own long-term adaptation goals.

The panel featured discussions regarding projects based on intellectual properties dating back to 2004. Other works mentioned include a 2020 book adaptation.

The players

Hayley Kiyoko

She is a musician and director who released a film adaptation of her novel and song Girls Like Girls in 2026.

Outfest

This is a Los Angeles-based organization that produces an annual LGBTQ+ film festival.

Angela Robinson

She is a filmmaker who has been working on adapting her 2004 film D.E.B.S. into a television series.

Adam Shankman

He is a director who expressed interest in creating a film adaptation of the rock musical Spring Awakening.

Wash Westmoreland

He is a director who shared his desire to adapt the 2020 book The Glamour Boys into a feature film.

The details

During the panel at UTA, Hayley Kiyoko discussed her directorial path following her 2026 film adaptation of Girls Like Girls. Other panelists, including Angela Robinson, Adam Shankman, and Wash Westmoreland, outlined their own ongoing efforts to bring projects like D.E.B.S. and The Glamour Boys to the screen.

Hayley Kiyoko released her directorial debut film in 2026.
The Saving Queer Media panel took place on September 24, 2026.
A Spring Awakening revival begins off-Broadway previews on November 27, 2026.
The Spring Awakening revival will hold its opening night on December 17, 2026.

Culture Shift

The panel discussion reflects a broader shift toward reinterpreting established franchises through queer perspectives to bridge historical gaps in media representation. This trend continues the work of directors whose early projects, such as the 2004 film D.E.B.S., first challenged genre conventions.

Audiences interested in LGBTQ+ cinema can support future projects by engaging with local organizations like Outfest that facilitate these creative discussions. These panels often serve as early indicators of upcoming film developments that may eventually reach regional theaters.

The takeaway

The panel underscores that creators are increasingly looking to both legacy IP and new novels to expand queer representation in major film franchises. Fans of these directors can look forward to potential adaptations as these projects move through the development pipeline.

What happens next

An off-Broadway revival of the musical Spring Awakening is scheduled to begin previews on November 27, 2026, followed by an official opening night on December 17, 2026.