Lord Cutler Beckett

Lore & Background

Beckett's power comes from his position as chairman of the East India Trading Company and his possession of Davy Jones' heart, which he obtained when James Norrington gave it to him in return for a promotion to admiral. With this heart, Beckett enslaves Davy Jones, commanding him to destroy pirate ships and kill the Kraken. He executes Governor Swann and anyone associated with piracy in Port Royal. During the film, Beckett parleys with Jack, Elizabeth, Barbossa, Jones, and Will, trading Will for Jack. His ship, the Endeavour, engages the Pearl in battle, but after Will becomes captain of the Flying Dutchman, the two pirate ships destroy the Endeavour, killing Beckett while his armada retreats.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed against the polished mahogany of Beckett's desk, blurring the maps spread across its surface. He did not look up as the door creaked open; he knew who it was by the heavy tread of boots on wet stone. 'The fleet is ready, my Lord,' came the voice, trembling slightly. Beckett finally lifted his gaze, his eyes cold and devoid of mercy. 'Then let them sail,' he commanded softly, picking up a quill to sign another death warrant. 'There will be no more pirates by this time tomorrow.' He blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness, leaving only the sound of the storm outside as if the sea itself was weeping for what was to come.

Reader's Guide

Lord Cutler Beckett begins his journey not as a swashbuckling captain, but as a powerful chairman of the East India Trading Company. In 'At World's End,' he serves as the primary antagonist, orchestrating a massive campaign to wipe out piracy. He controls Davy Jones through the heart, forcing him to destroy pirate ships and kill the Kraken. Beckett executes anyone associated with piracy in Port Royal, including Governor Swann. He parleys with Jack, Elizabeth, Barbossa, Jones, and Will, trading Will for Jack. His ship, the Endeavour, engages the Pearl in the climactic battle. After Will stabs Jones' heart and becomes captain of the Flying Dutchman, the two pirate ships destroy the Endeavour, killing Beckett while his armada retreats.

Did You Know?

• Beckett is a powerful chairman of the East India Trading Company, armed with a mandate from the King.
• He possesses Davy Jones' heart, which he uses to control Jones and force him to destroy pirate ships and kill the Kraken.
• Beckett executes Governor Swann and anyone associated with piracy in Port Royal.
• His ship, the Endeavour, is destroyed by the Pearl and the Dutchman, killing Beckett while his armada retreats.
• Beckett parleys with Jack, Elizabeth, Barbossa, Jones, and Will, trading Will for Jack.