You know that guy. The one with the comically oversized blunderbuss who basically gets knocked backward every time he pulls the trigger. That’s Marty. If you’ve watched the Pirates of the Caribbean movies even once, you’ve seen him, but you might not realize just how vital he was to the Black Pearl’s survival.
Played by the incredibly consistent Martin Klebba, Marty isn't just a background extra used for a quick laugh about his height. He's one of the few souls—alongside Gibbs and Pintel and Ragetti—who actually stayed loyal through the thick of it. He's a survivor. While Jack Sparrow was busy losing his mind or his compass, Marty was usually the one actually holding a rope or manning a cannon.
Honestly, it’s a bit wild how much screen time he actually clocks across the first three films. He’s there for the curse of the Aztec gold. He’s there when the Kraken starts tearing wood apart. He’s even there at World’s End when the stakes get impossibly high.
Why Marty Pirates of the Caribbean Still Stands Out in the Franchise
Most characters in blockbuster franchises are disposable. They’re "Red Shirts." They exist to get eaten by a sea monster so the audience knows the situation is serious. Marty broke that mold.
Martin Klebba brought a specific kind of grit to the role. He didn't play Marty as a "little person pirate." He played him as a pirate who happened to be short. There’s a massive difference. When the crew is trapped in those bone cages in Dead Man's Chest, Marty is right there swinging with the rest of them. He isn't asking for help; he's contributing to the escape.
The Blunderbuss Factor
Let's talk about that gun. It’s arguably the most iconic weapon in the series after Jack’s single-shot pistol. It’s huge. It’s impractical. It looks like it belongs in a cartoon.
But every time Marty fires it, the physics are hilarious and grounded at the same time. He flies backward. It’s a recurring gag that works because it highlights the sheer power of the weapons these guys were using. It also shows Marty’s tenacity. He knows he’s going to get launched ten feet back, but he pulls the trigger anyway because the Pearl is under attack. That's dedication.
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The character serves a functional purpose in the filmmaking, too. Gore Verbinski, the director of the original trilogy, loved visual diversity. He wanted the crew of the Black Pearl to look like a collection of misfits, not a coordinated navy. Marty provided a distinct silhouette that made the wide shots of the deck feel "real" and lived-in.
Beyond the First Trilogy
A lot of people think Marty disappeared after At World’s End. That’s not quite right. While the cast shuffled significantly for On Stranger Tides—losing icons like Pintel and Ragetti—Klebba actually returned for the fifth installment, Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Seeing him back on deck felt like a weirdly emotional anchor for long-time fans. It was a bridge to the original 2003 magic. Even if the script for the later movies felt a bit thinner, Marty was a constant.
He represents the "common pirate." He’s not a captain. He doesn't have a magical compass or a debt to Davy Jones. He’s just a guy trying to get paid and stay alive on the high seas. You’ve gotta respect the hustle.
The Reality of Stunt Work on Set
People forget that being an actor on these movies was physically brutal. We're talking about months at sea or on massive gimbal sets that tilt and rock. For an actor of Klebba’s stature, the physical demands were even more intense.
He did a lot of his own movement. He was jumping onto ropes, running through sand, and handling heavy props in the Caribbean heat. It wasn't just standing around looking salty.
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- The Casting: Martin Klebba was already an established stunt performer before he hit the Pearl.
- The Longevity: He is one of the very few actors to appear in four out of the five films.
- The Impact: He became a representative for performers with dwarfism in major tentpole cinema, proving you can be a core part of an ensemble without being the butt of every single joke.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About the Crew
There is a common misconception that Jack Sparrow’s crew was incompetent. Sure, they were drunk half the time. Yes, they were arguably a bit dim-witted compared to the East India Trading Company.
But look at the seamanship.
Marty and the rest of the crew managed to sail a ship out of the Locker. They navigated the polar waters. They fought off the Flying Dutchman. You don't do that if you're actually bad at your job. Marty is often seen handling the more technical aspects of the rigging or the cannons. He’s a specialist.
When you re-watch the original trilogy, pay attention to Marty during the battle scenes. He isn't just running around. He’s usually stationed at a specific post. He’s reliable. Jack Sparrow might be the brains (or the luck), but Marty is the muscle—even if he’s smaller than the rest of the guys.
The Legacy of the Black Pearl's Smallest Sailor
What can we actually learn from Marty’s presence in the franchise?
First, character design matters. In a sea of CGI monsters and undead pirates, a human being with a distinct look and a big gun stands out. Second, loyalty is a rare currency in the Pirates universe. Almost everyone betrays Jack at some point. Marty? He mostly just stays the course.
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If Disney ever actually gets the sixth movie off the ground—which is a whole different mess of rumors and delays—they’d be smart to bring him back again. You need those familiar faces to make the world feel cohesive. Without the veteran crew members, it’s just a movie about a boat. With Marty, it’s a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into the lore of the Black Pearl's crew, start by tracking the "background" arcs in the first three films. You'll notice Marty often has his own mini-narratives happening in the corners of the frame.
For collectors, Marty's action figures—especially the ones from the Dead Man's Chest era—are surprisingly detailed and often come with that signature blunderbuss. They are staples for any complete shelf.
Finally, check out Martin Klebba's stunt reels and interviews. Understanding the physical work that went into "the little pirate" makes his performance on the Black Pearl even more impressive. He wasn't just an actor; he was an athlete navigating a world built for people twice his size. That’s the real pirate spirit.
Keep an eye on official casting calls if the "reboot" ever moves into production. While the main stars are up in the air, the "legacy" crew members are the ones fans are actually rooting for. Marty is at the top of that list.