Here's why:
* Story Direction: The storyline of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise shifted after "At World's End." The focus moved away from the romantic arc between Elizabeth and Will and towards exploring other characters and themes.
* Character Arcs: Both Elizabeth and Will achieved their desired outcomes by the end of "At World's End." Elizabeth found a fulfilling life as a governor and Will achieved his freedom from the curse of the Flying Dutchman. Bringing them back would require introducing new conflicts that might not feel organic.
* Actor Availability: While the actors have expressed interest in returning, their schedules and commitments to other projects may have made it difficult for them to be involved.
* Thematic Focus: "Dead Men Tell No Tales" explores a different kind of pirate adventure, focusing more on Captain Salazar's revenge and Jack Sparrow's journey. This thematic focus might not have left room for Elizabeth and Will's story.
It's a shame that Elizabeth and Will are absent from the new film, but it's important to remember that the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise is constantly evolving. We can always hope for a future film where their characters might return, but for now, the new movie is exploring a different chapter in the pirate saga.