Casting features a diverse ensemble including Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the Caribbean lead (originally eyed for Zoe Saldana), Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Safia Oakley-Green, and Temuera Morrison, which aligns organically with the late 19th-century Cayman Islands/Caribbean setting rather than forced DEI mandates. No race/gender-swaps of historical figures, no identity politics, no LGBTQ+ focal points, no critiques of systemic oppression, patriarchy, or traditional norms as central conflicts. Cursory script references to slavery/colonialism exist but do not shape the narrative or emotional core.

Priyanka's comment on 'diversity in my filmography' refers to genre variety, not activism. Director Frank E. Flowers emphasizes gritty pirate action and cultural roots without social justice intent.

Audience reception praises Priyanka's performance amid generic script complaints, with zero significant backlash labeling it 'woke' or citing ideological intrusions; one niche account rates it 2/10 for mind-virus resistance. Pure entertainment focus prevails, unmarred by contemporary activism.