‘The Pirate King’ – a film inspired by local pirate reenactor – wraps filming in Yorktown

HISTORIC TRIANGLE – Writer, director and Virginia Beach native Josh Plasse recently wrapped up filming for his upcoming movie, The Pirate King. Cast and crew shot at various locations across Hampton Roads, including the Yorktown coastline.

The film stars actor and comedian Rob Riggle, best known for his work on The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live, as well as Fast & Furious actress Jordana Brewster.  

Riggle portrays a Marine veteran struggling with PTSD and addiction who finds hope after joining a group of pirate reenactors. 

The movie also features local talent, including professional pirate reenactor Todd Willis of the Loose Cannon Company, who is Plasse’s uncle. 

Willis and his Loose Cannon Company served as consultants for the pirate scenes to ensure authenticity, with Willis making an appearance of his own.

While the final script is heavily inspired by Willis and his decades of experience as a pirate reenactor, Plasse initially struggled to adapt his uncle’s life into a screenplay.

“I wrote a six or seven chapter book about my early reenactment life, and I sent it to [Plasse],” Willis told The Triangle. “He really thought that it was super cool but didn’t think that it would be something that he could put into a story.”

Then, with the help of screenwriter Brev Moss, Plasse developed a narrative based on one of Moss’ stories that combined Willis’ passion for pirate reenactment with his own passion for veteran mental health awareness.

Plasse, the son of a Navy SEAL, grew up surrounded by the challenges facing service members. He is a strong supporter of Mission 22, a nonprofit focused on ending veteran suicide.

Riggle was also a natural fit for the starring role, having retired from the U.S. Marines 12 years ago after achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel.

“I have seen the hope and struggle that many veterans across the country experience in this script, and I’m honored to be part of this film to share their story,” Riggle said. 

In many ways, the upcoming film serves as a tribute to the region. It notably features several area landmarks that locals will recognize. 

“The Pirate King is a love letter to Virginia Beach and the community I grew up in,” Plasse said.

Despite the film’s comedic elements, the message of the story will not be lost on viewers.

“[Plasse] has got a lot of funny in there, but the message at the end of the day is going to be the plight that veterans go through and the struggles that they have to go through,” Willis noted.

The Pirate King is now in post-production. A release date has not yet been announced.