S.E.A. Cinematic Universe: The Reboot

[Evilgidgit]

ADVENTURE AWAITS...
​

It may surprise some people that the various Disneyland resorts around the world share a cinematic universe of sorts. The Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) is a loose banner of related characters, theme park attractions, and movies, revolving around an organization of intrepid explorers and adventurers who seek to uncover the secrets of the world and preserve ancient artifacts and cultures via socio-cultural expeditions. In other words, a fictional universe revolving around the romanticized adventure sub-genre that Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean personify.

In 2021, the Jungle Cruise film was released, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. It was a fun ride, harkening back to classic adventure movies, and had the same tone as Pirates. The movie felt like a golden opportunity to introduce the S.E.A. as a keystone within a new shared universe of adventure films. Unlike the MCU, this hypothetical franchise would mostly consist of movies and miniseries spread across a vast timeline, with occasional crossovers and references between instalments.

(A who's who of S.E.A. members provided in 2018 by @MisterPenguin.)

The idea here is that the S.E.A. Cinematic Universe will centre around the titular society, consisting of a group of explorers, adventurers, scientists, and treasure hunters as they explore the world, uncovering ancient mysteries, encountering unusual sights, and finding lost treasures and civilizations. The shared universe would mostly serve as an umbrella, for a variety of films spread out across different eras and settings, but mostly tie into S.E.A. Indiana Jones probably wouldn’t be included, though references could be made to the character being related to the society. Other Disney franchises could also be woven into this shared universe too, including potential remakes and sequels.

S.E.A. Members and Associates​

* This is an umbrella list. Not every character will have a major role or their own projects.
Frank Wolff, a formerly immortal Spanish conquistador and jungle skipper.
Lily Houghton, adventurer and botanist.
MacGregor Houghton, Lily’s brother and fellow adventurer.
Lord Henry Mystic, eccentric collector and owner of Henry Mystic.
Barnabas T. Bullion, industrialist, founder of the Big Thunder Mining Co.
Carmella Falco, inventor and aviator.
Captain Mary Oceaneer, explorer, navigator, and owner of the Oceaneer Labs.
Charlton J. Taboret, artist and documentarian.
Chef Tandaji, chef and author.
Albert Falls, explorer and founder of the Jungle Navigation Skipper Company.
Alberta Falls, granddaughter of Albert Falls.
J. L. Baterista, cartographer.
Kon Chunosuke, explorer and entomologist.
Harrison Hightower III, explorer, collector, and hotel tycoon.
George Hightower, Harrison’s dead brother.
Jason Chandler, explorer, miner, and owner of Discovery Bay.
Luana Teixeira, photographer.
Merriweather Adam Pleasure, founder of the Adventurers’ Club.
R. Blauerhimmel, pilot and aviator.
Garrett Reed, archaeologist.
Captain Brieux, inventor and pilot of the Hyperion airship.
Ruby Swift, inventor and aviator.
Melody Keep, eldest of Arthur and Ellen Keep.
Maxwell Keep, second child of Arthur and Ellen Keep.

PHASE ONE

The adventure starts soon...kungaloosh!
​

 

[MickeyMouse10]

That's actually a great idea and totally original. Thus Disney would probably not do it nowadays lol, but it could be awesome.

 

[Evilgidgit]

That's actually a great idea and totally original. Thus Disney would probably not do it nowadays lol, but it could be awesome.

Precisely. Disney would not be willing to take such a gamble on a S.E.A. shared universe, at least not on film or TV, as it doesn't carry the same brand recognition as Marvel or SW. Still, I hope this will be a short but fun project.

 

[MickeyMouse10]

Christopher Nolan would be perfect to helm this franchise, or at least the first film. He could get all of his favorite actors he loves working with like Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Kenneth Branagh and maybe even Robert Downey Jr.

 

[Evilgidgit]

Christopher Nolan would be perfect to helm this franchise, or at least the first film. He could get all of his favorite actors he loves working with like Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Kenneth Branagh and maybe even Robert Downey Jr.

I don't really have directors in mind for this project. Plus, the 2021 Jungle Cruise movie is reverse-engineered to be the first entry in this project. I'll start posting Phase One soon.

 

[Evilgidgit]

JUNGLE CRUISE
Setting: 1916

​

Phase One begins unofficially with Jungle Cruise, released in 2021, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The movie was very charming, had great chemistry between the leads, and managed to wrangle a decent story out of the old boat ride. Lily Houghton and her brother MacGregor chart a course through the Amazon to find the Tears of the Moon, flowers which are said to be able to cure illnesses and curses. They hire local skipper and tour guide Frank Wolff, later learning he is an immortal, cursed conquistador bound to the river unless cured by the Tears.

Also on the hunt for the flowers are an evil German prince, and a band of fellow conquistadors who betrayed Frank, cursed much like him. The local native tribe is protected by Trader Sam, a priestess of the Puka Muchina. The only differences I would make to the film is the ending; all of the conquistadors would be freed of their curse, allowing them to pass on peacefully. The Houghtons would reject an invitation from the chauvinistic Royal Society, only to be approached by an eccentric, older man named Lord Henry Mystic. He offers them the chance to join the Society of Explorers and Adventures (S.E.A.), described as a private club that traverses the globe, uncovering mysteries of the past, and preserving treasures and forgotten cultures. The Houghtons and Frank agree to the invitation.

...

MAIN STREET USA
Setting: 1910

​

Our cinematic universe combines a mix of movies and television shows. Main Street USA is a fitting entryway into the S.E.A. universe, a light-hearted period drama set in a turn-of-the-century midwestern American town. The setting in fact comes from the 1960 film Pollyanna, being Harrington, Missouri, which has yet to feel any prosperity from the promises of a changing America. Our main character is Polly Harrington, the richest and most influential person in town, whose father practically built the town. As such, Polly has her hooks in most of the town’s services, businesses, and homes. A well-meaning but controlling woman, Polly feels it is her responsible and right to guide the lives of the townsfolk as she sees fit. This puts her in conflict with the more progressive free-thinkers in Harrington.

Everything changes when the mayor’s nephew Dr. Edmond Chilton arrives in town, an equally charismatic figure and industrialist, who hopes to bring the wonders of the modern world into Harrington. Edmond and Polly happen to be old flames, putting them at odds romantically and ideologically. The townsfolk soon become divided between embracing the new, or sticking with their loyalties to the Harringtons. Polly’s niece Pollyanna Harrington will debut later on the series, bringing her eternal optimism and curiosity to the weary town, meeting and befriending many colourful characters. A major character is Reverend Ford, who often takes a neutral stand in conflicts, but his judgement is truly clouded by Polly’s influence.

Dynamics and relationships across Harrington change or fold as the idea of progress alters the town forever. The series has little to do with S.E.A., but is used as a starting point to explore the universe’s themes of friendship, curiosity, good counsel, and the spirit of adventure.

 

[Evilgidgit]

MYSTIC MANOR
Setting: 1917

Next up is Mystic Manor, a fantasy comedy based on Hong Kong Disneyland’s signature attraction. We catch up with Lily, MacGregor, and Frank as they are invited by Lord Henry Mystic to be inaugurated into S.E.A. They visit Mystic Point, Lord Henry’s bizarre abode in the heart of Peru. They meet several other members of S.E.A., who will appear throughout the cinematic universe in other projects. These include Captain Mary Oceaneer, a nautical explorer and owner of Oceaneer Labs; Jason Chandler, owner of Discovery Bay; and Henry Hightower III, an unpleasant hotel mogul and collector.

Another guest is Alberta Falls, granddaughter of the famed but missing Albert Falls, who Frank knew personally. Alberta follows in her grandfather’s footsteps as a budding member of the society, but has a very conservative way of looking at things. In order to believe in something, she must have physical proof, contrasting her secret hope that Albert is still alive. Lord Henry brings up his latest acquisition, an old music box said to enchant all inanimate objects to life when its melody is played. Naturally, Alberta plays the box, bringing Mystic Manor’s entire collection to life. The group must traverse the manor when Henry’s pet Albert the Monkey, steals the music box and runs off into the house.

Along the way, Henry Hightower becomes an antagonistic figure when he repeatedly puts the others in harm’s way to save his own skin. A statue of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, becomes a comical obstacle in the hunt for the music box. Alberta successfully rescues Albert from Wukong’s storm, ending the spell, and begins a quest to find her grandfather. Hightower smuggles out an idol named Shiriki Utundu to add to his own collection.

 

[Evilgidgit]

BIG THUNDER
Setting: 1879

The next film is Big Thunder, a thrilling western based on the wildest ride in the wilderness. The movie is set in 1879 in the west where Barnabas T. Bullion, a member of S.E.A., who strikes gold under Big Thunder Mountain and decides to set up a mining company and network between nearby towns, including Rainbow Ridge, Thunder Mesa, and Grizzly Gulch. He is warned by the local Shoshone tribe that taking the gold will upset the mythical thunderbird and spell doom for the townsfolk. Barnabas, being a bit of a devil-may-care egotist, naturally ignores their warnings.

The film follows a game of wits and typical western excitement as Barnabas tries to keep his business and family afloat in a world of desperadoes. Jason Chandler appears in a supporting role, though he hasn’t aged a day since he was introduced in Mystic Manor. Chandler invents a new drill machine that could help Barnabas. Barnabas abuses Chandler’s new drill, triggering an earthquake which is viewed as the thunderbird awakening.

Barnabas, Chandler, and other characters go on a wild ride through the mine shafts in a runaway train as opposing forces try to steal the gold, leading to the mines collapsing. Barnabas survives, but finds his business in ruins. Ever the opportunist, Barnabas decides to move his family to Chandler’s new project of Discovery Bay, believing his drill invention could still be of use.

​

 

[President Loki]

ADVENTURE AWAITS...
​

It may surprise some people that the various Disneyland resorts around the world share a cinematic universe of sorts. The Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) is a loose banner of related characters, theme park attractions, and movies, revolving around an organization of intrepid explorers and adventurers who seek to uncover the secrets of the world and preserve ancient artifacts and cultures via socio-cultural expeditions. In other words, a fictional universe revolving around the romanticized adventure sub-genre that Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean personify.

In 2021, the Jungle Cruise film was released, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. It was a fun ride, harkening back to classic adventure movies, and had the same tone as Pirates. The movie felt like a golden opportunity to introduce the S.E.A. as a keystone within a new shared universe of adventure films. Unlike the MCU, this hypothetical franchise would mostly consist of movies and miniseries spread across a vast timeline, with occasional crossovers and references between instalments.

View attachment 832982
(A who's who of S.E.A. members provided in 2018 by @MisterPenguin.)

The idea here is that the S.E.A. Cinematic Universe will centre around the titular society, consisting of a group of explorers, adventurers, scientists, and treasure hunters as they explore the world, uncovering ancient mysteries, encountering unusual sights, and finding lost treasures and civilizations. The shared universe would mostly serve as an umbrella, for a variety of films spread out across different eras and settings, but mostly tie into S.E.A. Indiana Jones probably wouldn’t be included, though references could be made to the character being related to the society. Other Disney franchises could also be woven into this shared universe too, including potential remakes and sequels.

S.E.A. Members and Associates​

* This is an umbrella list. Not every character will have a major role or their own projects.
Frank Wolff, a formerly immortal Spanish conquistador and jungle skipper.
Lily Houghton, adventurer and botanist.
MacGregor Houghton, Lily’s brother and fellow adventurer.
Lord Henry Mystic, eccentric collector and owner of Henry Mystic.
Barnabas T. Bullion, industrialist, founder of the Big Thunder Mining Co.
Carmella Falco, inventor and aviator.
Captain Mary Oceaneer, explorer, navigator, and owner of the Oceaneer Labs.
Charlton J. Taboret, artist and documentarian.
Chef Tandaji, chef and author.
Albert Falls, explorer and founder of the Jungle Navigation Skipper Company.
Alberta Falls, granddaughter of Albert Falls.
J. L. Baterista, cartographer.
Kon Chunosuke, explorer and entomologist.
Harrison Hightower III, explorer, collector, and hotel tycoon.
George Hightower, Harrison’s dead brother.
Jason Chandler, explorer, miner, and owner of Discovery Bay.
Luana Teixeira, photographer.
Merriweather Adam Pleasure, founder of the Adventurers’ Club.
R. Blauerhimmel, pilot and aviator.
Garrett Reed, archaeologist.
Captain Brieux, inventor and pilot of the Hyperion airship.
Ruby Swift, inventor and aviator.
Melody Keep, eldest of Arthur and Ellen Keep.
Maxwell Keep, second child of Arthur and Ellen Keep.

PHASE ONE
View attachment 832984

The adventure starts soon...kungaloosh!
​

I really like the Phase 1 idea, it seems so cool. I've always had a fascination with the S.E.A. and coming up with ideas for unrelated mini-series. But seeing a connected Universe for these seems cool. I would love to see like a Discovery Bay mini-series, sharing stories of characters on the port of Explorers and Inventors. I don't know what the Captain Nemo project is, but I think it would be interesting for it to be a mini-series, basically being an anthology of Nemo's adventures and expeditions. I'm excited to see where it goes and how it eventually all connects together.

 

[Snow Queen 83]

Some interesting ideas, Main Street U.S.A. is a surprising entry. I've never thought of making that section into a movie or series. But it seems like a really great idea. You could always add some stuff from the movie to link it.

 

[Evilgidgit]

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE GOLDEN AGE
Setting: 1713

​

Pirates of the Caribbean’s status as a franchise is up in the air at the moment. There have been rumours endlessly that Johnny Depp may or may not return as Captain Jack Sparrow. For now, a new trilogy of Pirates movies make up a part of the cinematic universe, all set before the events of The Curse of Black Pearl during the Golden Age of Piracy’s final years.

Our lead protagonist is Henrietta “Redd” Reddmond, an Irish-Spanish woman with striking red hair, who lives in the Spanish island fort Isla Tesoro. Expected to marry one of the island’s richest men and although quite the lady, Redd has a deeper desire for freedom and adventure, to decide her own life and identity. Soon, a fleet of pirates attack and storm the island, taking Redd captive. The crew of the Silent Siren are a motley crew led by Paul Allardyce (the Auctioneer), whilst other pirates are based on characters from the ride, such as the Pooped Pirate and Old Bill. They are on the hunt for the famed treasure trove of Captain William Kidd. To the crew’s surprise, Redd is a willing hostage, quickly embracing the life of a pirate.

The quest for Kidd’s treasure is to secure the future of New Providence, a pirate sanctuary that hopes to become an independent nation in the Caribbean, freeing it from British rule or the threat of the East India Trading Company. Redd has to learn the ways and politics of pirating, particularly the Pirate Code, which is highly valued amongst pirates. She develops a reputation as a flirtatious, domineering but short-tempered pirate, though remains torn between two worlds when her loved ones enter the fray to rescue her. Historically famous pirates like Blackbeard (played by Ian MacShane) and Benjamin Hornigold would appear in supporting roles.

For an antagonist force, the hunt is threatened by the Sea Dogs, a fleet of pirates that ignore the Code, burning ships and ignoring the rite to parlay. They are led by Blackbeard’s former protégé Charles Vane, an unstable man who firmly believes that savagery is the only way to live. He desires to possess Redd, finding a

Whilst Redd’s crew seek out for the treasure and fend off Vane’s ship, Hornigold leads others against the Sea Dogs. Redd manages to outwit Vane, leaving him to be captured by naval forces. In a typical pirate twist, Hornigold turns on the Silent Siren crew to levy the treasure, only to learn his crew favour Redd, mutineering against the veteran pirate. Redd and her crew sail back to New Providence with the treasure. Vane is taken onboard a ship called the Wicked Wench, meeting a young Jack Sparrow working as an EITC naval officer and agent.

​

 

[Evilgidgit]

CAPTAIN NEMO: 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
Setting: 1866

​

A brand new adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, inspired by both Jules Vernes’ novel and the 1954 film, which has managed to maintain a heavy presence in the theme parks for decades. In 1866, sailors hear of a sea monster attacking and sinking ships in the Pacific Ocean. A US frigate sets out to find and kill the monster. Onboard is master harpooner Ned Land, scientist Professor Pierre Aronnax, and his neurotic assistant Conseil. The ship is sunk by the monster, which the trio discover is a submarine called the Nautilus, a one-of-a-kind vessel owned by Captain Nemo, a man who despises the world, preferring an isolated life under the waves. Still, Nemo carries a deep vendetta against England for the loss of his wife, title, and homeland, blinded by his anger and hatred. Any notion of a peaceful life is lost to him.

Hunted by warships, the Nautilus swims to the depths whilst games of ideals and morality are played out onboard. Aronnax wishes to learn more about Nemo’s world, learning he lives in a remote island called Vulcanica, but Nemo hides its location, knowing its secrets would be exploited and weaponised by mankind. The ship is attacked by a gigantic squid both below and above the sea, leading to Nemo being mortally wounded. Although his loyal crew are willing to go down with their captain, Ned, Aronnax, and Conseil are not so eager. They manage to escape the submarine, Aronnax bidding farewell to Nemo, taking the captain’s journal and a map to Vulcanica with him. The men flee on a longboat as the Nautilus is consumed by the waves.

We cut to several decades later, as Lily Houghton tours Discovery Bay with Jason Chandler. Housed within an indoor marina is the Nautilus, restored to perfection.

** @President Loki suggested a Nemo miniseries. That was not on the cards for Phase One, but I might include it in Phase Two, exploring Nemo's life prior to the events of this film. There is a pre-existing series on Amazon Prime called Nautilus, which is basically this idea.

​

 

[President Loki]

CAPTAIN NEMO: 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
Setting: 1866

​

A brand new adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, inspired by both Jules Vernes’ novel and the 1954 film, which has managed to maintain a heavy presence in the theme parks for decades. In 1866, sailors hear of a sea monster attacking and sinking ships in the Pacific Ocean. A US frigate sets out to find and kill the monster. Onboard is master harpooner Ned Land, scientist Professor Pierre Aronnax, and his neurotic assistant Conseil. The ship is sunk by the monster, which the trio discover is a submarine called the Nautilus, a one-of-a-kind vessel owned by Captain Nemo, a man who despises the world, preferring an isolated life under the waves. Still, Nemo carries a deep vendetta against England for the loss of his wife, title, and homeland, blinded by his anger and hatred. Any notion of a peaceful life is lost to him.

Hunted by warships, the Nautilus swims to the depths whilst games of ideals and morality are played out onboard. Aronnax wishes to learn more about Nemo’s world, learning he lives in a remote island called Vulcanica, but Nemo hides its location, knowing its secrets would be exploited and weaponised by mankind. The ship is attacked by a gigantic squid both below and above the sea, leading to Nemo being mortally wounded. Although his loyal crew are willing to go down with their captain, Ned, Aronnax, and Conseil are not so eager. They manage to escape the submarine, Aronnax bidding farewell to Nemo, taking the captain’s journal and a map to Vulcanica with him. The men flee on a longboat as the Nautilus is consumed by the waves.

We cut to several decades later, as Lily Houghton tours Discovery Bay with Jason Chandler. Housed within an indoor marina is the Nautilus, restored to perfection.

** @President Loki suggested a Nemo miniseries. That was not on the cards for Phase One, but I might include it in Phase Two, exploring Nemo's life prior to the events of this film. There is a pre-existing series on Amazon Prime called Nautilus, which is basically this idea.

​

I guess I have to get Prime Video now and watch it, I hope I know French

 

[Evilgidgit]

TALES OF THE HAUNTED MANSION

​

We return with a new TV series called Tales of The Haunted Mansion. The past two film adaptations were met with mix reviews, but I thought both were likeable in their own ways. Since the definitive haunted house doesn’t quite work as a movie, it may fare better as an anthology series made up of multiple seasons. The show would be akin to Grizzly Tales For Gruesome Kids or Are You Afraid of the Dark?, in which the Ghost Host acts as, well, a ghost host. In each episode, which will be six or seven episodes detailing the cautionary tales that led to the 999 happy haunts becoming ghosts. The series would have some dark tones, but would be played in The Haunted Mansion’s comical manner.

The first season covers the lives and afterlives of Culpepper Clyne Gracey, the sea mariner who built the mansion on the bones of his bride; Madame Leota, the spiritual medium whose ambitions and obsessions opened a door to regions beyond; Abigail Boufont Gracey, a merry party animal who enjoys the last thirteen hours of her life; The Hitchhiking Ghosts (Ezra, Phineas, and Gus), who escape prison and police to go on a wacky adventure cross-country before their inevitable final stop at the mansion; Constance Hatchaway, the notorious black widow bride, who married and murdered her way into riches; and Richard O’Dell, the mansion’s still living caretaker whose terror of the ghosts is only eclipsed by his love for his late wife’s spirit.

 

[Evilgidgit]

TOMORROWLAND: PLUS ULTRA
Setting: 1938

​

Tomorrowland is a sadly overlooked movie from Brad Bird with a lot of great potential, even if the movie was poorly received. It had some great themes about creativity, futurism, optimism, and innovation, and how much knowledge one should have about tomorrow. On the downside, it spent very little time in the titular Tomorrowland. This TV series would seek to remedy that, set the furthest along in the timeline in the 1930s as sci-fi technology of yesteryear is dreamt up and designed in an alternate dimension where the possibilities of progress are free of bureaucracy and budgets. It is a world where jetpacks, flying cars, robotics, deep space travel, and teleportation are very real.

In this first season, subtitled Plus Ultra, explores the development of Tomorrowland as a city of progress. In the Plus Ultra canon, opening permanent portals between Earth and Tomorrowland is tricky, until 1937, where Amelia Earhart successfully teleported into the world using a plane powered by a lightspeed engine. The season revolves around the build up to Plus Ultra’s first attempt at space travel via “Project Columbiad”, set within a building based on Space Mountain. However, there is a rising conspiracy involving a rogue faction of Plus Ultra members led by German scientist Werner Rotwang, a cybernetics expert and pioneer of Tomorrowland’s Faust androids (later audio-animatronics). Rotwang is implied to be member of the Third Reich, plotting to using Columbiad to open a permanent portal straight to Berlin so his comrades can invade and exploit Tomorrowland’s technology.

Our main characters are already feeling the future strains of Tomorrowland’s hierarchy. The cast includes the creatively directionless engineer Hank Bowen; optimistic but self-destructive artist Beverly Morrow; the perfectionist Peter Nix who is the assistant to Plus Ultra co-founder Nikola Tesla, believing the potential of technology is only worthy if it works; eager test pilot Cosmo Fawlous; roboticist Henry Stevens who becomes a pawn in Rotwang’s games; and Metis, an early android built to recruit potential members to Plus Ultra. The plot involves androids being reprogrammed into sleeper agents to control Columbiad, whilst Henry is transformed into a fully-augmented cyborg by Rotwang to destroy Plus Ultra.

The season ends with Cosmo successfully testing Columbiad, whilst Rotwang’s schemes are thwarted when a repentant Henry sacrifices himself and Rotwang to empower the rocket. It literally propels Tomorrowland into a new era. The other characters are praised for their own efforts. Nix is elevated to a key administrative role in Tomorrowland, finding old files left by Plus Ultra’s founders, titled “Project Timekeeper”.

It should be noted that Plus Ultra is aware of S.E.A., but not so much the other way around. Perhaps Lord Henry or Jason Chandler can mention they have friends in a “progressive society”.

 

[Evilgidgit]

THE LEGEND OF JACK SPARROW
Setting: 1710s

​

A second Pirates-related project, The Legend of Jack Sparrow is a television series following the early pirating years of Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp’s return to the franchise remains ambiguous, but a younger actor could be brought in to play Jack, but without just being a duplicate performance of Depp. The series would build up to Jack becoming the famed pirate, mannerisms and trickery included. The series would take major inspiration from pre-established spin-off novels, though with some liberties.

The first season follows Jack, first as a young pirate, already developing his sense of cunning and trickery, but has a higher moral compass than later on in his life. The season takes place roughly at the same time as The Golden Age, so Jack assumes a friend of his, Christophe-Julien de Rapier, has been framed as a member of the Sea Dogs. Jack breaks the code to prove his friend’s innocence, only to learn Christophe is a rogue pirate. Jack abandons his life as a pirate, becoming an agent of the East India Trading Company. He develops a friendship with a young Cutler Beckett, who gradually evolves from a reasonable optimist to a ruthless mastermind and even more of a backstabber than most pirates. Jack earns Beckett’s trust, becoming captain of the Wicked Wench. During this, Jack meets Charles Vane, who is sent away to a prison island.

The rest of the season involves searching for a mythical island that contains the Heart of Zerzura, a magical stone that Beckett hopes to use to better sustain cargo. The search causes Jack to cross paths with Christophe, who falls victim to the Heart’s power, turning him to granite. When Jack learns Beckett wants him to transport slaves as cargo, Jack refuses and sets them free. Beckett brands Jack a pirate, sinks the Wicked Wench, and leaves Jack to drown. Jack is suddenly hoisted back to the surface, meeting none other than Davy Jones, who asks Jack if he fears death, setting up their deal.

 

[Evilgidgit]

TOWER OF TERROR
Setting: 1920

​

Our final entry in Phase One is a film adaptation of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. However, the movie follows the storyline of Tokyo DisneySea’s version. The key members of S.E.A, including Lily and Frank, are invited by Henry Hightower to the glamorous Hightower Hotel in California to celebrate the new year. The members realise Hightower has exploited and stolen ancient artifacts for his own personal collection. The new centrepiece is Shiriki Utundu, an idol that Frank recognises as once belonging to the Puka Muchina tribe. Shiriki is actually a dark god who punishes the wicked and devours souls.

When Hightower puts his cigarette out on the idol’s head, Shiriki springs to life, transforming the hotel into a nightmarish underworld. Lily and Frank escape in the elevator, but it is sent plummeting into the basement by Shiriki. The duo must traverse the hotel to reach Shiriki and use magic to calm him, teaming up with the other S.E.A members along the way. Henry Hightower has his black soul consumed by Shiriki. The movie is a thrilling adventure of magic and mystery, culminating in Frank sealing away Shiriki’s terror, saving the hotel and its occupants. Frank and Lily decide to return Shiriki to his owners, accompanied MacGregor and Alberta.

Timeline of Phase One
--The Legend of Jack Sparrow (1710s)
--Pirates of the Caribbean: The Golden Age (1713)
--Captain Nemo (1866)
--Big Thunder (1879)
--Main Street USA (1910)
--Jungle Cruise (1916)
--Mystic Manor (1917)
--Tower of Terror (1920)
--Tomorrowland: Plus Ultra (1938)
--Tales of The Haunted Mansion (outside of time)​