Originally Posted by
BrerSchultzy
2. I think, in a highly underdeveloped way, that when Davy Jones cut out his heart, the "curse" of the Flying Dutchman began. In other words, if he had kept to his duty (ferrying souls), he would have kept his normal appearance, and kept his heart. But once he shirked his duties, and cut out his own heart, the curse dictated that he would remain wandering the seas until someone else's heart replaced his. So the crew of the Flying Dutchmen KNEW why Jack and Elizabeth did what they did, and cut out Will's heart to put in the box, so he'd live forever as Captain of the Dutchman. For everyone caught in limbo, they could choose to finally die, or be a part of the crew. Not the cleanest storyline (nor am I more than 50% confident in my explanation).