Captain Jack Sparrow to Sail On for Two More Films

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", the fourth in the successful Pirates of the Caribbean series, doesn't open until next May, but Disney is already setting the 5th & 6th films into motion.  Reportedly cast and crew were told to keep their schedules clear for filming of the next two films which would be shot back to back, just as was done with the 2nd & 3rd films. 

With both Tim Burton's adaptation of the 1960's vampire soap opera "Dark Shadows" and original Pirates director Gore Verbanski's version of "The Lone Ranger" already on his schedule, star Johnny Depp would be immediately available.  This means the next two Pirates movie would not likely go before the cameras until 2012 with a 2013 release date for the 5th film. 

Worldwide the Pirates films have grossed over $2.6 billion and these reports regarding the 5th & 6th films would indicate that Disney execs must like what their seeing from the still in production 4th film.  The 4th film will be released May 20, 2011 and will pick from where the last film ended with Captains Jack Sparrow (Depp) and Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in search of the Fountain of Youth.  Joining them will be Ian McShane as Blackbeard and Penelope Cruz as Angelica.  Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley will not be in the film as their characters' storyline was wrapped up in the 3rd film, new cast members will include