“Pirates 4″ Hijacks “Ranger”

Johnny Depp gets to head for the sea before jumping on Tonto’s horse. 

Are you worried about Johnny Depp’s schedule. Me too–aren’t we all? Well, anyway, since half his life is contracted to Jerry Bruckheimer, it would seem that the best source of information about Mr. Depp’s plans would be Mr. Bruckheimer. ComingSoon spoke to the producer with a fondness for large, moneymaking movies, and he said that “Pirates of the Caribbean 4,” with Depp reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow, is going to film before “The Lone Ranger,” in which Depp is set to play Tonto. The blockbuster “Pirates” franchise is a priority for Disney, because, well, it’s a blockbuster franchise. Mr. Bruckheimer?

“It’s a great franchise for them and for us, too. A beloved character and Johnny’s really excited about coming back to Captain Jack. He certainly is interested in Tonto, but Disney’s priority is to get ‘Pirates’ made first. You never know what’s going to happen, but they would like it.” 

Indeed–which brings up the question of whether Gore Verbinski, who directed the first three “Pirates” films but said he wouldn’t do the fourth, might revisit the idea, now that he’s backed off the adaptation of the video game “Bioshock.” Bruckheimer said they didn’t know about that but would love to have him back if he’s interested. For the moment, though, “Pirates 4″ doesn’t have a director, and neither does “Ranger”–which also doesn’t have a leading man. Bruckheim says any further casting won’t come along until they put a director in place.

That should be one of the more fun casting announcements around. You’d think every actor who can sit on a horse would be up for that one. Very interesting…